Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has attributed the Super Eagles’ dominant run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to the mindset, discipline, and commitment of his players.
The Super Eagles secured a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria at the Marrakech Stadium, with Chelle praising the squad for their focus, work ethic, and unity. In a post-match interview, he highlighted the progress made since his appointment in January 2025.
“Other countries can see the work I do. Actually, I feel good. I work with my players, I spend my time with them, and I am very happy to be here with these guys. I am very proud of my players,” Chelle said. “This game reflects the work they have put in since January last year. They have worked very hard.”
Chelle noted that an increased number of training sessions in recent months has contributed to the team’s improvement. “For a long time, we only had one or two training sessions, but now we have more sessions to work on and improve. Personally, I am happy because my vision for this team is showing results,” he added.
The Franco-Malian tactician also praised the players’ ability to balance team and individual responsibilities. “They are focused, they are focused on the group, they are focused on the game. They try to understand what I want, and they achieve it. I am very happy for them,” he said.
Reflecting on his approach, Chelle emphasised his ambition to win every game while managing expectations. “When we win a game, we have to stay focused on the next game. Every time, it is the same line for me. Regarding the NFF, I do my job, and afterwards, whether I win or lose, I will be judged, and there will be discussion,” he explained.
Chelle took over a team in turmoil following the brief tenures of Finidi George and Jose Peseiro, with the mandate to stabilise the squad, instil tactical discipline, and revive Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes. Despite a heart-breaking penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the CAF World Cup play-off final in November 2025, Chelle quickly refocused the team for AFCON 2025.
Since then, Nigeria has recorded five consecutive wins in the tournament, including a 4-0 round of 16 victory over Mozambique and the recent 2-0 quarter-final triumph over Algeria, in which the Desert Foxes failed to register a single shot on target.
Statistical highlights of Chelle’s squad include 14 goals scored and just four conceded in five matches, an average of 2.8 goals per game, 62% possession, 88.6% passing accuracy, two clean sheets, 14.6 tackles and 16.2 clearances per game, and only one penalty conceded.
Tactically, Chelle has leveraged the pace and technical skill of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemachi on the full-back flanks, with Ademola Lookman operating behind Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in a 4-4-2 diamond formation.
Looking ahead, Nigeria prepares to face host nation Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Chelle expressed confidence while acknowledging room for improvement.
“With this win, we have arrived in the semi-final. The game of my team is good, sometimes very good, but sometimes there are some mistakes,” he said. “Everybody is now curious about Eric Chelle. But I am not on the pitch; this is the players’ responsibility. My role is to do my job, and I try to do it with my own feelings and approach.”
