Super Eagles Are Flying Again — But Can They Sustain It Before AFCON 2027?

For the first time in what feels like several political scandals, Nigerians have something to genuinely celebrate: the Super Eagles are playing good football. Under coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria has won four of its last five AFCON 2027 qualifying matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two.

The performances have been a welcome distraction from the country's many other dramas. When Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick against Ghana in March, Nigerian Twitter briefly forgot about the naira, the fuel price, and whoever was fighting with whoever in the Obidient Movement.

What Chelle Has Built

Chelle's greatest achievement has been restoring a sense of collective identity to a squad that, under previous coaches, often looked like eleven individuals who happened to be wearing the same shirt. The pressing is more organised, the transitions are sharper, and — most importantly — the players look like they actually want to be there.

"The coach has given us a clear identity. We know what we are supposed to do on the pitch. That clarity makes everything easier."

— Ademola Lookman, speaking after the Ghana qualifier

The Problems That Remain

But beneath the positive results, familiar problems persist. The Nigeria Football Federation continues to be plagued by administrative dysfunction — the latest controversy involves a disputed election for the position of NFF president that has been challenged in three separate courts simultaneously.

Squad depth is also a concern. Nigeria's first-choice XI is genuinely world-class, but the drop-off to the second tier is steep. When Osimhen missed the Rwanda qualifier through injury, the Eagles laboured to a 1-0 win that flattered them.

The Road to AFCON

Nigeria currently sits second in Group C, three points behind leaders Ivory Coast with three games remaining. Qualification is not yet mathematically secured, but a win in the next home game — against Benin Republic in June — would effectively seal it.

"We are not thinking about AFCON yet. We are thinking about Benin Republic. One game at a time."

— Coach Eric Chelle, post-match press conference

For Nigerian fans, who have endured years of underperformance and administrative chaos, even cautious optimism feels like a luxury. But right now, cautious optimism is exactly what the Eagles are offering — and for now, that is enough.