Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has firmly dismissed suggestions that the Nigerian media is a distraction to his players.
Coach Sékou cleared that his sole focus is on achieving the team’s objectives as Nigeria prepares for a crucial Round of 16 clash against Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Speaking during a tense but candid press interaction ahead of the knockout fixture, the Franco-Malian tactician stressed that he never accused the media of being a problem, urging everyone around the team to remain calm and understand the demands of tournament football.
Eric Chelle Rejects Claims of Media Distraction
Chelle was unequivocal in clarifying his stance, explaining that his responsibility is to protect the team’s focus, not to shut out journalists.
“My job, this is not to cut the national team for the media. The rules when you go to this tournament is one session for the journalist.”
“And because I respect this country, I respect you guys.”
He revealed that even before the AFCON kicked off, additional access had already been agreed with Nigerian journalists.
“With my media officer, we talked before the AFCON and we were agreed about to give to the Nigerian journalist a second training session per week.”
“So it means two training sessions per week. So for me, it’s a good deal.”
“We Are Not on Holiday” – Focus Comes First
While reiterating his respect for the media, Chelle made it clear that the knockout stage demands total concentration from everyone involved.
“Now, we are not on holiday. I have to take care of my players. I have to work. And this is not a question about against you.”
“This is the question I want that my team stay focused. We have a goal.”
The Super Eagles coach emphasized that every decision taken is guided by the objective of winning matches and progressing deep into the tournament.
“We have an objective. And if I open all of the training sessions for you, we can do that, but after that, if we lose, you will say, Oh, Eric is crazy.”
“He opened the door every time. So we have everybody need to stay calm. (0:53) This is not against you.”
Eric Chelle Protecting the Players
Chelle stressed that limiting access at certain moments is purely about safeguarding the mental and physical readiness of his squad.
“This is to protect my players. I want that they stay focused on that. And this is the same in the hotel.”
“The players come in the hotel.”
He went on to describe the regimented daily routine of the Super Eagles camp, underlining how controlled and professional the environment is.
“Every time, this is the same. They wake up. They go to breakfast. At noon, they go to the lunch. They rest. After, they have a video session. They go to the training session.”
“They come back. They eat for the dinner. And they sleep.”
Chelle added that journalists are free to observe these routines, but insisted that doing so would not necessarily produce new content.
“So if you want to come to the hotel to see that, I have no problem with that, but you are not content.”
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“Everybody Must Do His Job” – Eric Chelle
The Super Eagles boss concluded by stating that accountability ultimately rests with him, not the media.
“So I prefer that everybody do his job. And after that, for sure, I will be judged.”
Beyond media concerns, Chelle also brushed aside comparisons with Nigeria’s past AFCON disappointments, insisting that this squad represents a new chapter.
The Franco-Malian reiterated that the current Super Eagles are built on growth, discipline and execution, rather than historical narratives or so-called curses linked to previous tournaments.
