Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle struck a calm but defiant tone after guiding his team past Algeria and into the AFCON 2025 semi-finals, insisting his focus remains firmly on improvement, ambition, and the collective strength of his players.
Following Nigeria’s emphatic 2–0 quarter-final victory at the Marrakech Stadium, Chelle addressed everything from his long-term commitment, relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), team evolution, tactical maturity, and the looming high-pressure semi-final clash against hosts Morocco.
“Win Every Game” – Eric Chelle on Focus and Expectations
Chelle made it clear that his mindset has not changed despite Nigeria’s deep run at the tournament.
“My ambition is to win every game. When we win a game, we have to stay focused on the next game.”
Addressing speculation around his future and ongoing discussions surrounding his role, the Franco-Malian tactician was blunt and composed.
“And every time this is the same, the same line for me about the NFF.”
“So I do my job and after if I lose or if I win, but I will be judged. I will be judged.”
“There is a discussion, but you arrive in semi-final.”
For Chelle, qualification for the last four is progress, but not the destination.
“Everybody Is Curious About Eric Chelle”
With Nigeria’s resurgence placing Chelle firmly in the spotlight, the coach was quick to deflect praise back to his players.
“The game of your team is good, sometimes very good, but sometimes there is some bad things.”
“But everybody now is curious about Eric Schell, but I’m not on the pitch. This is the player.”
He reiterated his philosophy of responsibility and ownership.
“So I do my job. I try to do my job with my own feeling, but you know, some other countries see what work I do.”
“So actually, I’m good. I feel good. I work with my player. I spend my time with them and I’m very happy to be with this guy.”
Quarter-Final Win Explained: Discipline, Belief and Ruthlessness
Chelle attributed Nigeria’s control against Algeria to discipline and strict adherence to the game plan, highlighting the importance of Victor Osimhen’s opener shortly after halftime.
“That first goal was important. It released the pressure and gave us belief to play our football,” Chelle said.
“I am extremely proud of the boys. They were happy, focused, and brave. We worked hard, and my vision is clearly taking shape in this team.”
Reflecting on the tense first half, he revealed the message he passed to his players.
“For 45 minutes, we stayed calm. I told the players to trust the process. When the moment came, we struck with authority.”
Nigeria’s second goal, finished clinically by Akor Adams, drew particular praise.
“We were ruthless when opportunities came. That is the mentality we want at this level.”
Defensive Maturity and Game Management
Beyond the goals, Chelle was pleased with Nigeria’s defensive organization, which saw Algeria fail to register a single shot on target.
“Our defence stayed compact and intelligent. We managed the game well and showed maturity,” he said.
Players such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi executed their roles with discipline, while Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi controlled transitions in midfield.
According to the Chelle, Nigeria’s AFCON success is rooted in patience and unity, while emphasising that Nigeria’s strength now lies in structure rather than individual reliance.
“Players like Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Calvin Bassey are all thriving within clearly defined roles.”
“The bench now offers solutions rather than panic.”
According to the coach, Nigeria’s AFCON success is rooted in patience and unity.
“Nigeria’s performance was built on patience, structure, and collective belief rather than individual moments of brilliance.”
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“My Vision Has Been Implemented” – Eric Chelle
Chelle reflected on the progress made since taking over a team that had endured instability following the tenures of Finidi George and José Peseiro.
“The Nigerian players are very happy, and I am extremely proud of them,” he said.
“We really enjoyed the match. I have worked a lot since taking over my role with the Nigerian national team; we put in a lot of effort during preparations.”
“My vision has been implemented in the Nigerian team, and we must continue working in this manner.”
He also highlighted the importance of improved preparation time and praised his players’ mindset and willingness to buy into his ideas.
“For a long time, we only had one or two training sessions, but now we have more sessions to work on and improve.”
“Personally, I am happy because my vision for this team is showing results. I feel good.”
“My little smile comes from seeing my players very happy in the locker room.”
“They are focused, they are focused on the group, they are focused on the game.”
“They try to understand what I want, and they achieve it. I am very happy for them.”
Morocco Next: Pressure, Pride and Belief
Attention has now turned to Wednesday’s semi-final showdown against host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Chelle acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge.
“Morocco are strong and playing at home. There will be pressure, but we respect them and believe in ourselves.”
He added:
“After this match, we have another game, and we will prepare for it.”
“Morocco is a strong team, and there will be pressure in front of the host nation. The best team will win.”
“I am proud that we will face Morocco, and I hope it will be a good match, with the best team winning.”
Still Room for Improvement
Despite Nigeria’s impressive statistics (five straight wins, 14 goals scored, four conceded, 62% possession and 88.6% pass accuracy), Chelle insists perfection is still a work in progress.
“With this win, we have arrived in the semi-final. The game of my team is good, sometimes very good, but sometimes there are some mistakes,” he concluded.
“Everybody is now curious about Eric Chelle. But I am not on the pitch; this is the players’ responsibility.”
“My role is to do my job, and I try to do it with my own feelings and approach.”
Nigeria now stand one win away from an AFCON final, where Egypt or Senegal await, but for Eric Chelle, the mission remains unchanged:
Work. Focus. Improve. Win the next game.
