Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has showered praise on his players following Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, describing striker Victor Osimhen as “the best striker in the world.” Osimhen’s stunning hat-trick, coupled with a late strike from substitute Frank Onyeka, sealed a dominant performance for the three-time African champions at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The result confirmed Nigeria’s place in the CAF Playoff Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to hold in Morocco next month. Speaking during the post-match conference, Chelle, who took charge midway through the qualifying campaign, commended his team’s commitment and adaptation to his philosophy despite the short preparation time. “I’m so proud of my players,” Chelle said. “They deserved this game because it was not easy with a new coach and a new philosophy to adapt to. Tonight, I’m just happy for my players. They played a great game two hours ago, and they also played a great game three days ago.” The Franco-Malian tactician was full of admiration for Osimhen, whose treble took his international tally to 29 goals in 44 appearances, edging him closer to Nigeria’s all-time record scorer, the late Rashidi Yekini. “I love him. He is the best striker in the world,” Chelle declared, drawing applause from journalists in the press room. “But I’m proud of all the players because everybody brought something to this team. They all gave everything.” Chelle emphasised that the victory was only the beginning of a long journey, warning that tougher challenges lay ahead as Nigeria heads into the playoff stage. “This is not finished. This is the beginning. It will be very, very difficult,” he said. “Now we go to Morocco and we have a lot of work to do.” The Super Eagles coach also lauded the fans for their unwavering support, noting that their passion at the Uyo stadium inspired the team’s confident display. “I’m happy for the fans because they brought us the victory,” Chelle said. “They started to help us, to push us, to take this victory.” He attributed the team’s resurgence to unity, trust, and shared responsibility, insisting that the group’s strength lies in its collective spirit. “All the players gave everything. For me, they are my champions,” he added. “Football is like that — sometimes you make mistakes and lose, but they love the country and always give everything. We are a family. If we win, we win together. If we lose, we take it together.” Chelle, who has steadily rebuilt the squad since his appointment, reaffirmed that the coming weeks would be critical to Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Nigeria will now regroup ahead of the CAF Playoff Tournament from November 13 to 16 in Morocco, where they will compete against Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo for a spot in the Intercontinental Playoff. The eventual winner will advance to face representatives from Asia, Oceania, and the Americas for one of the final slots at the global showpiece.
Super Eagles coach says Osimhen “Best Striker in the World”
