2026 WCQ: ‘Chelle not to blame’ – Isaac Success names those responsible for Nigeria’s failure

Former Super Eagles striker, Isaac Success has slammed the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, for mishandling the national team's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Success noted that it is now a difficult task for Nigeria to book a ticket for the World Cup with four matches left.

South Africa are now six points ahead of Nigeria at the top after an unexpected 2-0 triumph over Benin in Abidjan.

Nigeria drew 1-1 with Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Uyo which further reduced their chances of being in the US, Mexico and Canada next year.

Fans have heaped the blames of coach Eric Chelle, captain and defender William Troost-Ekong and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabal.

However, Success is looking at it from another perspective, raising critical questions about the NFF, particularly in relation to the appointment of Eric Chelle as head coach.

“Do we have a structure before Eric Chelle was appointed? That's the first question. The second question, if he's coming with his own philosophy, do you think you have the players to fit in?” Success told Home Turf.

“If you are looking at these areas, you shouldn't put all the blame on Eric Chelle. You should put the blame on the players, the staff, everyone involved, even the NFF, because everyone is at fault at this point not just the boys.

“They are putting all the pressure on the boys right now. They are going back to their clubs, this is the time to rebuild, rethink and prepare for the upcoming qualifying games.

“Nigerians, if they come for you, you will deactivate your account, run away from the country immediately.

“That’s what we have been facing for years in the Super Eagles.”

Nigeria's next game in the Group C of the African qualifying series will be home against Rwanda in September.