Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria’s focus is firmly on winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, believing that success in Morocco will inspire the team’s push for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.

The West Africans are intensifying preparations for the playoffs, which kick off in Morocco next Thursday, before turning their attention to the 2025 AFCON, also set to take place in the North African country.

Chelle stressed that the mini-tournament represents a crucial step toward building momentum for the continental showpiece.

“Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches,” Chelle told cafonline.
“If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult.”

Nigeria, three-time African champions, have been drawn in Group C at the AFCON, alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.