Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has hinted at possible squad rotation ahead of Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda, informing that every group game has purpose as Nigeria prepare for final Group C test at AFCON 2025.
Chelle stated that winning remains his priority as the team looks to maintain momentum at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle explained that while it is important to give opportunities to players who have yet to feature, the Super Eagles are still focused on securing another victory as they continue to grow into the tournament.
“This Is Not a Competition for 11 Players” – Eric Chelle
The Franco-Malian tactician stressed that AFCON success is built on squad depth, management, and collective contribution rather than relying on a fixed starting XI.
“This is not a competition for 11 stars or 11 players, so everybody deserves to have a change, to show something.” Chelle said.
He highlighted the importance of fringe players, noting that even limited minutes can prove decisive in a major tournament.
“Because sometimes the guy who only played just 5 minutes in the AFCON or in the tournament can bring the victory, who can make the last goal, who can score the last goal.”
Chelle also called for dismissal of any notion that rotation would signal a lack of seriousness or respect for the competition.
“So this is a question about the management. This is not a question about the lack of respect about the tournament.”
“For me, I want to put the best team at this moment.”
“For Sure, I Want to Win” – Eric Chelle
Having already secured qualification for the Round of 16, Chelle made it clear that the Super Eagles will approach the Uganda game with full intent to win.
“For sure, I want to win. The player wants to win. Everybody wants to win this game.”
He then outlined the philosophy behind his approach to the group stage, breaking down the objectives of each match Nigeria have played so far.
“Like I said at my first press conference, the first game is for the intensity and aggressivity.
The second game is for the tactical choice.”“And the third game is for the mathematics.”
With Nigeria already on six points, Chelle believes the team has achieved its initial targets.
“So we don’t need to do some mathematics. We just need to try to project us on the next round.”
Super Eagles Return to Training After Tunisia Thriller
The Super Eagles returned to training on Monday at 5:00pm, following a 24-hour break granted by Chelle after Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Sunday.
The head coach approved the short rest period to allow both players and members of the technical crew to recover physically and mentally after sealing early qualification from Group C.
Training Session at Sardienne Complex
Nigeria’s training session took place at the Sardienne Complex, with activities beginning promptly at 5:00pm.
The session focused on:
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Light recovery work
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Tactical drills
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Preparations for the final group stage match
The emphasis was on keeping the squad fresh while sharpening key tactical ideas ahead of the Uganda encounter.
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Uganda Clash: Different Stakes for Both Sides
Nigeria will face Uganda at 5:00pm on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, in what promises to be an intriguing contest despite the Super Eagles already securing progression.
While the match may not affect Nigeria’s qualification, it could still have a major impact on final Group C standings.
A defeat for Nigeria combined with a win for Tunisia could see the Super Eagles drop to second place in the group.
For Uganda, the stakes could not be higher. The East Africans must win to keep their AFCON hopes alive, as anything less than three points would confirm their elimination from the tournament.
This is expected to make them approach the game with urgency, aggression, and intensity.
Eric Chelle may consider rotating his Super Eagles squad to give opportunities to players who are yet to feature at AFCON 2025.
However, the coach is also mindful of the benefits of finishing top of the group, which could secure a more favorable opponent in the Round of 16.
