Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has credited the Super Eagles’ strict and focused training sessions in Morocco as the main reason for their strong performance at the on-going 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Super Eagles won all group stage matches against Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1). They continued their dominant form by beating Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 and Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Marrakech.
Chelle emphasized his mind-set of treating each game as a final, focusing entirely on winning and moving forward match by match. Although he acknowledged the spotlight is on him as coach, he insists the players are the ones performing on the pitch, and he supports them by working closely with them off the pitch.
On Saturday , Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams grabbed second-half goals as the Super Eagles powered to a deserved 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals and set up a dream fixture with hosts Morocco for Wednesday’s semi-finals.
“Now, everybody is curious about Chelle but I’m not on the pitch but the players,” Chelle continued. “But I try to do my job with my own feelings. I feel good . I work with my players; spends my time with them.
Ricardo Guimaraes Guima of Mozambique challenged by Ademola Lookman of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Nigeria and Mozambique at Fez Stadium in Fes, Morocco on 05 January 2026 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Chelle recently celebrated his one year anniversary as Nigeria’s head coach, having managed 16 matches so far, and is proud of the progress made.
“I’m very proud of my players,” he said.“ We have been working since last January but since then, we were having one or two days training sessions but here ( at the AFCON), we have had more training sessions to work and personally, I’m happy because with my vision for this team, I have some results.”
Meanwhile, Super Eagles have returned to Fez for recovery and light training ahead of their semi-final clash against Morocco. There are no injury concerns except Wilfred Ndidi, who will miss the semi-final due to suspension from two yellow cards.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
