World Cup 2026: Eric Chelle tips Portugal for glory ahead of Super Eagles showdown

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has identified Portugal as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the European giants possess all the ingredients required to lift football’s biggest prize.

With the World Cup set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Portugal will enter the tournament seeking to win the competition for the first time in their history. Roberto Martinez’s side face DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K, and are widely regarded as one of the strongest squads heading into the global showpiece.

Ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal in Lisbon on Wednesday, Chelle spoke glowingly about the quality available throughout the Portuguese team and suggested they could emerge as world champions within the next month.

The Franco-Malian coach believes Portugal’s strength lies not only in individual brilliance but also in the balance and intensity they display across the pitch.

Defence built for success

Assessing the European side, Chelle highlighted the quality of Portugal’s defensive unit and their ability to dominate opponents in different phases of play.

“In every department on the field, they are good. In defence, they are strong. Of course, their full-backs are very fast and quick,” he said.

The former Mali coach pointed to Portugal’s organisation and athleticism as key reasons why they are viewed as genuine title contenders. Their defensive structure, coupled with the attacking threat offered by their wide defenders, has made them one of the most complete teams in international football.

For Chelle, Portugal’s ability to quickly regain possession after losing the ball is another major strength. He noted that their aggressive pressing game often forces opponents into mistakes while allowing them to dictate matches.

Midfield quality drives Portugal

Chelle was equally impressed by Portugal’s midfield, describing it as an area packed with technical excellence and intelligence.

“The midfielders play well with the ball,” he observed while discussing the qualities that make Martinez’s side so dangerous.

Portugal’s ability to control possession and transition swiftly from defence to attack has been central to their recent success. Chelle believes that quality gives them the platform to compete with any nation on the world stage.

Having watched Portugal’s recent victory over Chile from the stands, the Nigerian coach said he came away convinced of the team’s credentials despite the match being affected by a red card.

“I watched their game against Chile. I was in the stadium, and it was a good game. The atmosphere was so good, and the game was good,” he said.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point

No discussion about Portugal would be complete without reference to their talismanic captain, and Chelle reserved special praise for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The veteran forward continues to lead the line for his country and remains one of the most recognisable figures in world football despite entering the latter stages of his career.

“The midfielders play well with the ball, and they have the biggest star in the world, a striker, and their wingers are so fast,” Chelle noted.

The Nigeria boss believes Portugal’s blend of experience and youthful energy makes them particularly dangerous. With Ronaldo providing leadership and a proven goalscoring threat, supported by explosive attacking players around him, the Europeans have assembled a squad capable of going all the way.

“And once again, this team, in one month, can be the next world champion,” Chelle added.

Focus remains on Nigeria’s progress

While Portugal’s credentials dominated much of the discussion, Chelle made it clear that Nigeria’s primary objective is not revenge for their heavy defeat to Portugal in Lisbon in 2022.

Instead, he views the encounter as another important step in the development of the Super Eagles under his leadership.

“My only concern now is that the team stay focused, stick to our philosophy and the way that we want to play this game. This is not a question about the result,” he said.

Chelle stressed that continuous improvement remains his overriding priority as Nigeria seek to re-establish themselves among the elite teams in Africa and beyond.

Despite remaining unbeaten in regulation time since taking charge, the coach dismissed suggestions that preserving that record provides extra motivation.

“My only motivation now is to focus on how my team can improve in every training session and every match,” he explained.

The Nigerian tactician believes the friendly offers his players a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against one of the favourites for global success.

“We want to achieve more, and we have important objectives that we need to reach as quickly as possible.”

For Chelle, facing a side he believes could soon become world champions is less about the scoreline and more about showing how far the Super Eagles have come.

Against one of football’s most talented squads, Nigeria will have the chance to test their progress while Portugal continue their preparations for a World Cup campaign that many expect could end in glory.