Ms John commended the swift response and professionalism of the operatives.
Despite suffering a three-point deduction for fielding a suspended player, South Africa fought their way through with a crucial win.
Mr Chelle said it was his decision not to feature skipper William Troost-Ekong in the first half.
The Super Eagles are currently in fourth place in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
The 2025 CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players competing in Africa, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to February 28, 2025.
In the 75th minute, substitute Samuel Chukwueze was very close to putting Nigeria ahead, but his effort struck the crossbar.
“We cannot afford to miss out on the World Cup again.”
The Super Eagles on Sunday recorded a second consecutive draw after struggling to hold the Warriors of Zimbabwe to a 1-1 draw in Rwanda.
“Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not negotiable,” he said.
Assisted by Iheanacho from a corner kick, West Brom defender Semi Ajayi powered into the net a header to rescue a point for the Eagles.
