Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has publicly outlined the Nigerian national football team's primary objective for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations: to lift the trophy in Morocco. The Franco-Malian manager, appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in January 2025, stated that conquering the continent is the singular focus for his squad as they prepare for the tournament.
From Runners-Up to Champions: Nigeria's Clear Goal
The Super Eagles enter the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) with the bitter memory of a final defeat still fresh. In the 2023 edition held in Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria finished as runners-up after a 2-1 loss to the host nation in the championship match. According to Chelle, this near-miss, coupled with the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has forged a powerful motivation within the camp.
"Of course, we want to win it. Personally, I want to win the AFCON," Chelle declared in an interview with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). "My first and last AFCON was a fantastic experience. I think Morocco will be a great tournament, too." He emphasized that the players share this ambition, having played under intense pressure since March, which he believes will mentally prepare them for the challenges in Morocco.
Navigating Group C and Embracing Pressure
The tournament kicks off in Morocco on December 21, 2025, with Nigeria's first match scheduled for December 23 against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania. The Super Eagles are placed in Group C, alongside Tanzania, the Eagles of Carthage (Tunisia), and the Cranes of Uganda. Despite being tagged as one of the pre-tournament favourites, Chelle acknowledges the immense weight of expectation from millions of Nigerian supporters.
"When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything," he admitted. "But we proceed with humility, with a smile and a will to work. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated and united, nothing is impossible." He pointed to the squad's resilience as a key strength, noting that their ability to suffer and find a way through difficult moments could be a decisive factor against opponents.
The Stakes for Coach Eric Chelle
The NFF has set a clear benchmark for success, expecting the team to at least match its 2023 performance by reaching the final. For Chelle, the personal stakes are also high. His previous AFCON experience ended in the quarter-finals with the Mali national team, who were eliminated by the same Ivorian side that later beat Nigeria.
Analysts suggest that failure to secure the trophy or, at a minimum, achieve a deep run with convincing performances could jeopardize Chelle's tenure as the Super Eagles' manager. The coach, however, remains focused on the collective mission, drawing on the shared determination to turn the disappointment of recent campaigns into continental glory in Morocco.
