The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially touched down in Fes, Morocco, for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but it was head coach Eric Chelle's unconventional luggage that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
Elegant Arrival in Morocco
The Nigerian national football team arrived in the host city on Thursday night, December 18, 2025, following a four-day final training camp in Cairo, Egypt. The three-time African champions made a stylish entrance, with players dressed in custom-made green native outfits that showcased the nation's renowned fashion sense.
The elegant attire featured intricate flower-shaped embroidery on the chest, complemented by matching caps and leather shoes. This coordinated look once again positioned Nigeria as a cultural trendsetter on the continent as they begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title.
Chelle's Luggage Steals the Show
While the team's outfits drew admiration, all eyes quickly turned to Coach Eric Chelle's travel bags. The Mali-born tactician was spotted carrying the iconic "Ghana Must Go" bags, a decision that ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media platforms.
These distinctive checkered bags hold deep historical significance in West Africa. The name originates from 1983, when over a million undocumented migrants, many of them Ghanaians, were expelled from Nigeria and used such bags to carry their belongings. Over decades, they have transformed from a symbol of forced migration into a ubiquitous cultural item, even inspiring high-fashion collections.
The contrast between the team's polished appearance and Chelle's practical, nostalgic baggage created an unexpected cultural talking point just days before the tournament kickoff.
Nigerians React with Humor and Banter
Nigerian fans wasted no time in turning the moment into a source of light-hearted banter, especially given Ghana's failure to qualify for AFCON 2025.
"It has been Nigerian team, we always carrying Ghana along," one fan quipped on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the ongoing friendly rivalry between the two footballing nations.
Another supporter posted, "'Ghana must go'... We carried them along, as Big Brothers," while others speculated whether the coach's choice was a deliberate, witty statement. Some even joked about the bags' durability, questioning if Chelle would return to Nigeria with the same luggage.
The online chatter provided a humorous backdrop to the team's serious ambitions in Morocco, where they are considered one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
Road to AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles' final preparation included a friendly match against Egypt in Cairo, which ended in a 2-1 defeat. Defender Chidozie Awaziem scored Nigeria's solitary goal in that encounter.
Despite the loss, confidence remains high. Former Real Madrid star Dimeji Lawal has publicly backed the squad, stating that Nigeria possesses the quality needed to win the tournament with its current players.
As Eric Chelle prepares for his first AFCON as Nigeria's head coach, appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation in January 2025, his team is now settled in Morocco, ready to translate their preparations and the nation's hopes into success on the pitch.
