NFF Technical Director Analyzes Super Eagles' AFCON 2025 Campaign
Augustine Eguavoen, the technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation, has offered a detailed assessment of Eric Chelle's performance as head coach of the Super Eagles during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. While expressing overall support for Chelle, Eguavoen pinpointed a significant strategic decision that he believes was flawed.
Mixed Review for Chelle After Bronze Medal Achievement
The Franco-Malian manager Eric Chelle led Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025, marking the country's record-extending ninth third-place achievement in the tournament's history. The Super Eagles secured this medal by defeating Egypt's Pharaohs 4-2 in a penalty shootout on January 17, 2026, following a semi-final loss to host nation Morocco.
Despite failing to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier in his tenure, Chelle received widespread praise from Nigerian football enthusiasts for the team's attractive style of play and competitive spirit throughout the continental championship. Eguavoen joined numerous football dignitaries in endorsing Chelle to complete the final year of his two-year contract, noting that only a small minority of fans called for his dismissal.
Eguavoen's Specific Criticism: Exclusion of Domestic League Talent
In an interview with Footy Africa, Eguavoen revealed his disappointment with Chelle's squad selection philosophy. The former Super Eagles interim coach specifically questioned the decision to exclude players from the Nigeria Premier Football League from the AFCON 2025 roster.
"I felt disappointed that we did not include some NPFL players in the AFCON squad," Eguavoen stated. "Some players in the team may not even get a minute of action, so why couldn't we include a few players from the local league? At least three or four would have been better."
Eguavoen addressed concerns stemming from Nigeria's poor performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship, where Chelle's team was eliminated in the group stage. He argued that this tournament should not be used as the sole measure of domestic players' capabilities.
"The players are not bad, and just because we didn't do well at CHAN doesn't mean we should throw the baby out with the bathwater," he emphasized. "That said, I think this is something we need to look into because it speaks volumes when players come directly from the local league into a major tournament like AFCON."
Super Eagles' Impressive Tournament Statistics
Despite the controversy over squad selection, Nigeria demonstrated remarkable performance metrics throughout AFCON 2025 according to Confederation of African Football data:
- Nigeria scored 14 goals, the highest total in the tournament
- The team achieved five consecutive victories before the semi-final, the longest winning streak
- Super Eagles maintained an undefeated record in normal time throughout the competition
- Nigeria dominated possession with an average of 66%, the best in the tournament
- Ademola Lookman led all players with four assists
- Three Nigerian players earned spots in the Team of the Tournament
NFF Backs Chelle's Continuation Despite Criticism
The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that Eric Chelle will remain as Super Eagles head coach following the bronze medal achievement. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau acknowledged the team's visible progress during the tournament and noted the overwhelming fan support for the manager's continuation.
Eguavoen clarified that while he advocates for greater inclusion of NPFL players, the ultimate decision rests with the head coach. "The decision is for the head coach to make, as the NFF will not impose players on him," he concluded, maintaining respect for Chelle's autonomy while highlighting what he views as a missed opportunity for domestic player development and representation.
