Obafemi Martins Hails Super Eagles Progress Under Eric Chelle But Laments World Cup Miss

Former Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins has praised the team’s recent progress under head coach Eric Chelle, while admitting deep disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 41-year-old former Inter Milan forward, who earned 42 caps and scored 18 goals for the Super Eagles, spoke candidly about both his pride in the team’s development and his frustration at their absence from football’s biggest stage.

Speaking to New Telegraph, Martins highlighted the positive impact of the new players introduced under Chelle, noting that many of them have shown encouraging performances in recent matches.

He expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall progress but admitted that it is difficult to fully celebrate due to the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup.

He said: “We have to work and see how it goes at the end. I’m so happy for the new invitees because they all gave a good account of themselves and I think they played quite well and I’m proud of that.

“The current form of our players all round is very impressive and this makes the World Cup absence so painful.

“That Nigeria is not going to the World Cup I’m not happy about that. I’m a fan even though I used to play for Super Eagles, I’m a fan and I think they should gather themselves together and try to play as a team and prepare for the World Cup.”