Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has admitted that his team will put up surprises in the remaining four matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as race for ticket to the United States , Canada, and Mexico reaches crucial stage.

After six matches, the Super Eagles are sitting in fourth place in Group C with seven points, six points behind leaders South Africa, who have 13 points.

Chelle has only managed to win two of their first six games, beating Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali before drawing 1-1 against Zimbabwe in Uyo in March. Before him, Jose Peseiro and Finidi George had handled two games each without any wins.

Despite Nigeria’s precarious situation in the group, Chelle admits that the team has been written off, but remains confident that they can climb the mountain successfully.

"People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that. We need to make sure to take game by game and win the next match, which is very important, and wait for the next match,” Chelle said

"I am concentrating on preparing my players for our remaining four matches. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people.” He added

The Super Eagles will be back in camp in Uyo on September 1 for their next two games in the series. They will host Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa three days later.

Their last two games will be against Lesotho (away) and Benin (home) in October.

Rwanda and Benin are above Nigeria with 8 points each in second and third places respectively. The three teams are still hoping that table toppers South Africa will lose three points for fielding an ineligible player during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, a decision that would bring their World Cup qualification hopes alive.