Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has dismissed suggestions that luck played a role in the Super Eagles qualification for the CAF World Cup playoffs, insisting that hard work, focus, and determination were the real reasons behind their progress.
Speaking to Eagle7 FM, Chelle made it clear that Nigeria’s turnaround was built on effort, not fortune. Speaking on the team’s progress, he reflected on Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, which secured their place in the playoff round, SportPremi reports.
Chelle Rejects ‘Lucky Coach’ Tag
Responding to claims that he was ‘lucky,’ Chelle firmly disagreed, stressing that Nigeria’s progress was the result of preparation and persistence rather than chance.
“I don’t agree with you. This is not about luck,” Chelle said. “When I took this job with my technical staff, we never came to sit and watch what happens. We came to work to give everything for this team, for this country.”
‘This Is Not Luck — It’s Work’
The Nigeria head coach highlighted the effort behind the Super Eagles improvement, praising his players for their dedication and the collective mentality that pushed the team forward.
“This is not a question about luck. It’s a question of work. We did a great job during ten months. When you work a lot in football, football sometimes gives you something,” Chelle explained. “Because of the work, the state of mind of this group, and the philosophy we built together with the players, I always knew we had a chance to reach the playoffs.”
Chelle Praises Team’s Mental Strength
He also applauded the Super Eagles for staying composed amid external criticism, noting that focus and belief have driven the squad’s revival.
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“Everybody talked, but I was only focused on the pitch. We never stopped working. Now we continue with our energy and our mindset. We want to go to the World Cup,” he concluded.
With Nigeria set to face tough opposition in the CAF playoffs, Chelle’s message reflects a renewed sense of belief, discipline, and unity within the Super Eagles camp.
