Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has opened up on what motivated his team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria entered the tournament as one of the favorites and justified that status with impressive performances that earned them a bronze medal. The Super Eagles scored the most goals in the competition with 14, won five consecutive matches, and did not lose any game within 90 minutes. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey were named in the CAF Team of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept four clean sheets.
These achievements came just a month after Nigeria lost the World Cup playoffs to DR Congo, a bitter disappointment that could have derailed their AFCON campaign. However, Chelle revealed that the team used that setback as fuel.
Chelle Explains Team Motivation
Speaking at his post-match conference after a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe, Chelle admitted that the World Cup loss made it difficult to continue, but he wanted to give Nigerians something positive. 'It was difficult for us after losing the game, the playoffs for the World Cup. It was difficult for us, and we were looking for something to motivate the players,' he said.
'We played the AFCON because we wanted to give some pleasure to Nigeria. It was not a question about the players; we were so sad because we didn't bring the qualification to Nigeria, and we wanted to give them something better.'
The Franco-Malian coach also credited his players for their support during the tough period. 'For me, it is difficult because at this moment I have never won a trophy. These players took my hand and said, Coach, we should go together. We are ready to die with you, and if something happens, we go together, if we win, we win together, if we lose, we lose together.'
Although Nigeria has not won the AFCON since 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi, the team's clear style of play and identity earned widespread praise from Nigerians, who urged Chelle to continue building for future tournaments.
Looking Ahead to AFCON 2027
Chelle also reacted to the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, noting that having co-host Tanzania in the group makes the task even more challenging, and Nigeria must aim to finish top of the group.
