Eric Chelle Tips Portugal for 2026 FIFA World Cup Glory

Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has tipped Portugal to become the next FIFA World Cup winners, praising their squad depth and tactical strength ahead of a friendly meeting between the two nations.

Speaking to the media in Lisbon, Chelle described Roberto Martinez’s side as ‘a good team in every department,’ highlighting their defensive solidity, pace on the flanks, and the presence of ‘the biggest star in the world’ leading their attack.

He noted Portugal’s ability to press aggressively when out of possession and their capacity to play with depth when on the ball, calling them ‘a team that has it all.’

Portugal, appearing at the World Cup for the ninth time, will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K, beginning their campaign against Congo in Houston on June 17.

Chelle, who attended Portugal’s recent match against Chile, said the atmosphere and quality of play convinced him that the Europeans could lift the trophy in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Nigeria’s last encounter with Portugal came in November 2022, when the Super Eagles suffered a 4-0 defeat in Lisbon, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.

Chelle, however, insisted that Wednesday’s friendly is not about revenge but about continuing Nigeria’s development.

‘The most important goal and objective is to improve at every game,’ he said. ‘We have to come into this match with a great state of mind.’

Under Chelle, Nigeria has not lost a match in regulation time, though he reminded reporters that results alone are not the focus.

‘We lost in the AFCON semi-final, and we also lost our World Cup qualification. So this is not about the result anymore. My only motivation now is to focus on how my team can improve in every training session and every match.’

The coach emphasized that Nigeria’s ambition is to remain at the top of African and world football, stressing that hard work and consistent improvement are the only ways to achieve that.

‘Once again, we have a great opportunity to show everyone what kind of team we are,’ Chelle concluded.