AFCON 2025: Calm Chelle Relishes Knockout Challenge as Eagles Top Group C

Posted : 01 January 2026

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has welcomed the pressure of the Round of 16, expressing excitement as Nigeria prepare for the knockout phase of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

The Eagles finished their Group C campaign with a 3-1 win over Uganda, thanks to a goal from Paul Onuachu and a brace from midfielder Raphael Onyedika. Chelle made several changes to the squad for the match, starting Onuachu ahead of Akor Adams, and the strategy paid off.

“Playing in the Round of 16 comes with pressure because it is a knockout stage, but I am excited and really looking forward to the game,” Chelle said. He noted that finishing top of the group boosted the team’s confidence and staying in Fès helped maintain stability and focus.

“We feel good finishing top of our group and staying in Fès. The town, hotel, people, and atmosphere are calm and perfect for concentration,” he added. Chelle highlighted that the team has enjoyed consistent training routines, even in Morocco’s cold weather.

“We have our pitch and can train two to three hours daily. The weather is very cold, but we must adapt and keep working,” he said. Reflecting on his calm touchline demeanor, Chelle acknowledged that experience has helped him better manage emotions during matches.

“If you watch closely, I am calmer than at the last AFCON. I stay focused and take each game as it comes,” he said. The Malian tactician emphasized that tactical risks are part of football and expressed confidence in his philosophy.

“I have my vision. Sometimes it works very well, sometimes it doesn’t. That is football,” Chelle explained. He added that the experimentation in Nigeria’s final group match against Uganda yielded positive results.

“Against Uganda, we tried something new and I am happy with the result. But we must keep improving if we want to remain ambitious,” he said. The coach also praised the squad’s commitment and depth, describing healthy competition for places as beneficial.

“The players worked very hard. Those selected showed their quality, scored three goals, and gave a good account of themselves,” Chelle said. He admitted that making selection decisions is becoming more challenging as the tournament progresses.

“Now I have a small selection headache. Everyone can play, and that is perfect for a coach,” he added.

Having topped Group C with maximum nine points, Nigeria will face a third-placed team from Group F in the Round of 16 on Monday, January 5, in Fès. Potential opponents include holders Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, or Mozambique, following the elimination of Comoros and Angola from Groups A and B.

Meanwhile, Tanzania reached the knockout stage for the first time after a 1-1 draw with Tunisia and will face host nation Morocco in the Round of 16.

AFCON 2025: Calm Chelle Relishes Knockout Challenge as Eagles Top Group C

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