Eric Chelle reacts to Nigeria making CAF World Cup playoff spot

The Super Eagles managed to sneak into the CAF playoffs, where they will meet Gabon, DR Congo and Cameroon for a spot in the Intercontinental playoffs, having been narrowly edged by Bafana Bafana in Group C.

Speaking after the win in Uyo, Chelle praised his players for their character and resilience, singling out striker Victor Osimhen, who netted a hat-trick to keep Nigeria’s hopes alive.

"I'm so proud of my players, they deserved [to win] this game because it was not easy with a new coach, with a new philosophy, and they acclimatised really fast," said Chelle.

"So now we're going to Morocco, this is not finished, this is the beginning, and it will be very, very difficult, so tonight I'm just happy for my players for playing a great game a few hours ago and three days ago.

"Like I said in the last press conference, thank God because you are here, and I'm happy for the fans because they brought us the victory, they helped us and pushed us to take this victory.

"The players played a very great game, especially the best striker in the world [Victor Osimhen]."

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Chelle, who was appointed in January and inherited a qualification campaign that had already been scuppered, believes his side has turned the corner at the perfect time and have built strong family-like bonds in the squad.

"All the players gave everything and for sure, for me, they are my champions, so I'm very happy for the players, and football is like that – sometimes you make a mistake and lose, but they love the country Nigeria and give everything every time," he added.

"For me, I just wanted to make sure they are focussed in their state of mind – and sometimes I make some mistakes too, but you can actually ask the captain and players, we are a family, and if we win, lose or draw, it's together."