Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Highlights Three Defensive Pillars from AFCON 2025 Campaign
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has publicly revealed the three players he considers the most crucial to Nigeria's performance at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. In a notable decision, the Franco-Malian tactician omitted high-profile attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from his list of standout performers.
Nigeria concluded their AFCON 2025 journey by securing a record ninth bronze medal, defeating Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on January 17, 2026. This achievement followed a semifinal exit against the eventual champions, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, where the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties after a grueling 120 minutes of play.
Chelle's Defensive Trio Earns Special Praise
Coach Eric Chelle specifically named Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, alongside full-backs Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as his three most outstanding players during the semifinal clash against Morocco. Speaking to French media outlet RMC, the 48-year-old manager elaborated on his choices, emphasizing their adherence to defensive strategies against a formidable Moroccan attack.
"Calvin Bassey at center-back, and you have the left-back Bruno Onyemaechi, who was playing really well. We also had the right-back Bright, who was also very impressive," Chelle stated. He further explained that despite the semifinal loss, this defensive unit executed the game plan effectively, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.
Notable Omissions: Osimhen and Lookman Overlooked
In a surprising move, Coach Chelle did not include Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen or Atletico Madrid winger Ademola Lookman among his highlighted players. Both attackers, despite being recognized in the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Team of the Tournament, were deemed less impactful in Chelle's assessment, particularly during the critical semifinal match where their effectiveness was limited.
This selection has sparked discussions among football analysts and fans, especially considering Osimhen's status as a former African Footballer of the Year and Lookman's creative prowess on the wing. Chelle's focus appears to have been squarely on defensive solidity and players who consistently delivered on his tactical instructions.
Journalist Endorsement for Calvin Bassey's Performance
Nigerian sports journalist Aderonke Ojo has publicly endorsed Chelle's praise for Calvin Bassey, describing the defender's display at AFCON 2025 as exceptional. In an exclusive interview, Ojo remarked that Bassey played with total commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm, exceeding many expectations.
"Many people never expected the kind of performance Calvin Bassey gave during the 2025 AFCON. He played like the combination of prime Stephen Keshi and Taribo West," Ojo said. She emphasized that despite receiving a yellow card in the semifinal, Bassey remained Nigeria's best player throughout the tournament, giving his utmost until the final whistle.
Context of Nigeria's AFCON 2025 Campaign
Eric Chelle led the three-time AFCON champions to the 35th edition of the continental tournament following Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under his guidance, the Super Eagles started strongly, winning all group stage matches against Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1). They continued their form with convincing victories over Mozambique (4-0) in the Round of 16 and Algeria (2-0) in the quarterfinals before the semifinal defeat to Morocco.
Chelle's contract reportedly included a mandate to reach the AFCON final, a target that was narrowly missed. However, his identification of key players suggests a strategic focus on building a resilient defensive framework for future competitions, potentially signaling a shift in team priorities under his leadership.
