Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle<\/a> has enlisted the support of Nigerian football legends as he seeks to inspire his players ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Nigeria\u2019s hopes of reaching the tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are in serious jeopardy after a disastrous start to their qualifying campaign.<\/p>\n The Super Eagles<\/a> have failed to win any of their opening four matches, drawing against Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa<\/a> while suffering a damaging defeat to Benin Republic.<\/p>\n With just three points from a possible 12, Nigeria languish in fifth place in Group C\u2014four points behind joint leaders South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin, and one behind Lesotho.<\/p>\n Only the group winners will secure an automatic ticket to the World Cup, leaving the Super Eagles with a mountain to climb in their remaining six fixtures.<\/p>\n Chelle, who has been meeting players across Europe<\/a> to prepare them for the crucial games, believes that bringing in Nigerian football icons could provide the morale boost the team needs.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong>: \u201cI\u2019m close to Ikpeba, Eguavoen\u201d \u2013 Nigeria and PSG great Austin Okocha denies calling for sack of NFF board<\/a><\/p>\n Names of the Super Eagles legends that have accepted invitation from Eric Chelle to support super Eagles Nigeria in the b\u00e3ttle of world cup trophy and AFCON 2025!<\/p>\n Kanu nwankwo \u2014 Eprime Watchers (@Demsey50048336) February 11, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Among the Super Eagles legend expected to join forces with Eric Chelle are former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu and one-time Bolton Wanderers captain Austin Okocha. Others are former Chelsea star Mikel Obi and ex-Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.<\/p>\n \u201cI have invited Nigerian legends to join us in this battle, and I\u2019m happy that they have accepted,\u201d Chelle said, according to mainlandmetro via The Guardian.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI want to assure Nigerians that we are going to have a good preparation for the matches, and we will do whatever it takes to be back on track.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Nigeria\u2019s next fixtures will see them face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before returning to Uyo to host Zimbabwe on March 25. Both matches are seen as must-win encounters if the Super Eagles are to keep their qualification hopes alive.<\/p>\n Chelle, appointed on January 8 to replace Augustine Eguavoen, faces the daunting task of rescuing Nigeria\u2019s World Cup campaign. If the Super Eagles fail to win both matches, their chances of qualification will be virtually extinguished, forcing them to set their sights on the 2030 tournament instead.<\/p>\n The 46-year-old Franco-Malian tactician has made it clear that his sole focus is on the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, dismissing any distractions regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no little team in the AFCON\u2014you need to be focused. Right now, I\u2019m focused on my players, on my team, and on March,\u201d Chelle told Pooja Media<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to be focused on the World Cup qualifiers. Then in October, we will think about the AFCON. But now, we need to win two games in March.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Chelle is expected back in Nigeria soon to finalize preparations with home-based players before announcing his squad for the qualifiers.<\/p>\n The Super Eagles still have six games left to play in Group C:<\/p>\n Winning all six matches may be the only way for Nigeria to salvage their World Cup dream.<\/p>\n With pressure mounting, Chelle\u2019s bold move to involve national legends could be the spark the Super Eagles desperately need.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/imago1039549468-scaled.jpg\")
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Jay Jay Okocha
Mikel Obi
Vincent Enyema
Ahmed Musa pic.twitter.com\/lfwupaB29i<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Do-or-die March fixtures for Nigeria Super Eagles<\/h4>\n
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