Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi hails coach Eric Chelle as ‘big brother’ ahead of key World Cup playoff

Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has described Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as a “big brother” as the team gear up for the crucial 2026 World Cup playoff.

The Super Eagles missed out on automatic World Cup qualification, and are set to participate in a playoff to determine their fate for the tournament to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The playoff structure sees Nigeria face Gabon on Thursday, November 13 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo. The winners will compete on November 16 for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

However, Iwobi, who plies his trade for Fulham has hailed Chelle’s leadership style, fostering a renewed sense of belief and brotherhood ahead of the Gabon clash.

Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Iwobi shared how Chelle’s approach has brought a new level of motivation and togetherness to the Super Eagles camp.

“Our manager constantly reminds us that we’re capable of pushing through any situation,” Iwobi said. “He’s such a great man — we don’t even see him as just a manager, but as a big brother. He’s built a real brotherhood in this team.”

“You can see him on the touchline; he’s so involved, almost fighting for us. That kind of energy pushes us to play not just for Nigeria, but for him as well.”

Since his appointment in January, Eric Chelle has made history as the first non-Nigerian African coach to lead the Super Eagles. Under his guidance, the team remains unbeaten in six competitive games, recording four wins and two draws. His impressive start has not only earned him the respect of his players but also reignited optimism among Nigerian fans.

Nigeria already missed out on the top spot in Group C, which would have secured an automatic ticket to next year’s FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as they now face a tougher road to qualification. To keep the Super Eagles’ World Cup dreams alive, the Super Eagles team must first beat Gabon and then take on the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo in Thursday’s other playoff match.