Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has declared that he is a more mature and experienced manager now, reflecting on his growth since a painful quarter-final exit with Mali at the last Africa Cup of Nations.
Learning from Past AFCON Heartbreak
Chelle's previous outing at the continental tournament ended in dramatic fashion. At the 2023 AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire, his Malian side suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to the host nation in the quarter-finals. The match, played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, saw Mali on the verge of a semi-final spot against a 10-man Elephants team before the game turned against them.
One of the enduring images from that loss was an official of the Malian team pouring water on a despondent Chelle's head after the final whistle, a moment that symbolized the intense pressure and disappointment of the occasion.
A Calmer, More Focused Approach in Morocco
Now at the helm of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Chelle insists he has evolved. Speaking after his team's 3-1 victory over Uganda in Fes sealed a perfect group stage campaign with nine points from three wins, the coach downplayed the pressure of the knockout stages.
"The round of 16 is a lot of pressure, for sure, but I am fascinated by that. Since I arrived, I have had a lot of pressure, and I feel good," Chelle told journalists. He credited the perfect environment in Morocco for his positive mindset, stating, "I feel good because the town is perfect, the hotel is perfect, and the atmosphere is perfect."
Embracing the Knockout Challenge
Chelle highlighted a noticeable change in his demeanor on the touchline compared to his last tournament experience. "We are calm and, if you watch the game, I think I am calmer than at the last AFCON," he stated. "I try to stay focused during the game, only on the game. I have my vision. Sometimes it is very good, sometimes it is bad. That is football. We work every day, and the team works hard."
The Super Eagles, having topped their group, are set for a round of 16 clash on Monday in Fes, where they could face one of Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, or Mozambique. Chelle expressed comfort with the heightened expectations that come with the progression, insisting pressure has been a constant companion since he took the job and that his team possesses the necessary qualities to withstand it.
His message is clear: the lessons from Bouake have been learned, and a more composed Eric Chelle is ready to guide Nigeria through the high-stakes knockout phase of the tournament.
