Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle struck an emotional, reflective and defiant tone after guiding the team to a third-place bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the tournament has laid a powerful foundation for the future of Nigerian football.
Speaking at his post-match press conference following Nigeria’s victory over Egypt in the third-place playoff, Chelle opened up on the physical and emotional toll of the journey, the character of his players, and his burning desire to continue leading the national team into the next AFCON cycle.
“This AFCON Was Our World Cup” – Eric Chelle
Chelle also addressed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, admitting the disappointment has sharpened his hunger for success.
“My mission is to keep this group and my mission is the next AFCON. We didn’t go to the World Cup and we wanted to.”
“This AFCON was our World Cup.”
He revealed plans to refresh the squad and raise internal competition.
“Now we have to pay something to be ambitious for the next AFCON.”
“My job is to find players who can give something extra to this team, and to keep working tactically, physically, and technically.”
“I want 22 or 24 players who are the best in their positions so we can continue to improve.”
“They Gave Everything Until Exhaustion” – Eric Chelle
Chelle began by paying tribute to his players, sharing that his earlier disappointment during the tournament had nothing to do with effort or commitment.
“Being a coach is never easy. At one point I felt disappointed, not because the players fell short, but because they gave everything they had until exhaustion.”
The Malian tactician made it clear that the bronze medal was a reward for sustained sacrifice, not a lucky outcome.
“Today, as I stand here, I feel great pride in them. I am very proud to be the coach of the Nigerian national team.”
“This team gave everything not only in this match, but over the past two months and throughout a full year of continuous work.”
“What we achieved did not come by chance.”
Building a Team, Not Just Results
Chelle emphasised that the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign was about much more than one match or one medal.
“There was a great deal of work done with the players. Building a strong group is not easy; managing different personalities requires calm and patience, but the players responded in the best possible way.”
He highlighted the unity between players and staff as a key driver of progress.
“The players gave everything for me, for the coaching staff, and for the country. I respect them all and am extremely proud of what they delivered.”
“This Is Not a One-Night Story” – Eric Chelle Declares
Looking beyond the bronze medal match, Chelle framed Nigeria’s AFCON journey as part of a long-term project.
“This match is not just a one-night story; it is part of a longer journey that concerns the future of this team.”
“We will build on this experience, and it will be the foundation for the next phase of work.”
The coach admitted that experimentation was central to his approach throughout the tournament.
“We tried different ideas, tested multiple approaches, and learned from every situation.”
“Some things worked, others did not, but that is how teams develop.”
“What matters most to me is clear: this team has character, commitment, and a strong future ahead.”
A Promising Record Under Chelle
Appointed as Nigeria’s head coach in January 2025, Chelle was tasked with qualifying for the World Cup and reaching at least the AFCON final. While those targets were narrowly missed, his impact has been widely praised.
Under his leadership, Nigeria adopted a more disciplined, exciting and resilient style of play, losing only once in regulation time.
At AFCON 2025, Chelle made history by becoming the first coach to guide a team through seven matches in a single AFCON tournament without conceding a goal in the knockout stages.
Nigeria’s only defeats came via penalty shootouts:
- Against Morocco at AFCON
- Against DR Congo in the World Cup playoff final
Eric Chelle’s Numbers So Far
Since taking charge, Eric Chelle has overseen:
- 22 matches
- 15 wins
- 1 defeat in regulation time
- 35 goals scored
- 13 goals conceded
Despite falling short of lifting the AFCON trophy, Chelle remains focused, optimistic and committed.
With preparations for the next Africa Cup of Nations already on the horizon, the Super Eagles coach believes continuity, squad reinforcement, and sustained tactical development will be key to taking Nigeria to the next level.
