Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has revealed that he feels calmer, more composed and better prepared heading into the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The national team head coach speaks from lessons learned during his previous AFCON outing with Mali, where he exited in the Round of 16.
Speaking from Nigeria’s camp after the Super Eagles sealed qualification from the group stage, Chelle admitted that pressure is an unavoidable part of international management, but is cleared that he has grown accustomed to it.
“I play 60 rounds. It’s a lot of pressure, for sure, but actually I’m vaccinated about that. Since I come, I have a lot of pressure.”
“I’m More Calm This Time” – Eric Chelle
Chelle pointed to the positive atmosphere around the team as a major factor behind his renewed composure, highlighting the importance of calm surroundings in tournament football.
“And I feel good. I feel good because the town, like I said, is perfect. The hotel is perfect, the atmosphere is perfect. We are calm.”
He compared his current mindset to his previous AFCON experience, noting a visible difference in how he now approaches matches.
“If you watch the games, I can say I’m more calm than the last time. So I try to stay focused on the game, only the game.”
Total Concentration on Match Analysis – Eric Chelle
The Super Eagles boss emphasized that his daily routine revolves entirely around football preparation, with no distractions away from the pitch.
“And out of the beach I try to be very focused about the game, analyze. Yes, I’m calm. I’m good.”
“The players are good. The state of mind is good. Everybody is focused.”
Nigeria have impressed with their discipline and cohesion so far at the tournament, qualities Chelle believes are rooted in their shared mental readiness.
With tougher opponents awaiting in the knockout stage, Chelle made it clear that player attitude and behaviour are now non-negotiable as the stakes rise.
“I have to be very focused about the attitude of the player and their behaviour.”
“Now is the best time for that, because you have some great game to come. And we need to have everybody ready at 100%.”
The coach explained that no player can afford to drop standards as Nigeria transitions from the group stage into the decisive phase of the competition.
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Super Eagles Focus on AFCON Knockout Stage
As the AFCON2025 Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow, the Super Eagles now face sterner tests against Mozambique as the AFCON Morocco 2025 enters its knockout rounds.
Eric Chelle believes calmness, preparation and collective discipline will define how far Nigeria can go and this time, the coach believes he and his team are mentally ready for the challenge ahead.
