Eric Chelle Reveals Emotional Osimhen Conversation That Brought Him to Tears at AFCON
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has opened up about a deeply emotional moment with striker Victor Osimhen during Nigeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, revealing that a heartfelt exchange left him in tears and underscored the team's resilience.
The Touching Exchange Before the Third-Place Playoff
In an interview with RMC Sport's After Foot, Chelle disclosed that ahead of Nigeria's third-place playoff against Egypt, he had a candid conversation with Osimhen, who was visibly struggling with a hamstring injury. The Malian coach encouraged the 27-year-old Galatasaray star to push for victory despite his physical condition, thanking him for the sacrifices made throughout the tournament.
"I had a discussion with Victor on the field. I told him that we absolutely had to go for that third place. But I could see that he was injured, that things weren't going well at all," Chelle recounted. "So I told him: 'I'm proud of what you've done since I took over this team. If you ever need me, whatever happens in your life, you call me, I'll come.'"
Osimhen's response caught Chelle completely off guard. "He looked at me and said: 'Coach, maybe you were a small coach, but now you are a great coach.'" Chelle admitted that this single sentence overwhelmed him emotionally, causing him to burst into tears immediately. "At that point, I burst into tears. Honestly, it was hard to go on to training afterwards," he confessed.
Why Osimhen Missed the Penalty Shootout Against Egypt
The playoff match against Egypt ended goalless after extra time and proceeded to penalties, where Nigeria secured a 4-2 victory to claim the bronze medal. Questions arose about Osimhen's absence from the shootout after he was substituted late in extra time.
Chelle explained that the decision was made after Osimhen approached him on the pitch and admitted he was no longer fit to continue due to his hamstring problem. The striker felt he could not give his best in the shootout, leading to Paul Onuachu replacing him and successfully converting Nigeria's first penalty. Despite misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyeamachi, the Super Eagles held their nerve to defeat Egypt.
Nigeria's Resilient AFCON Campaign and Osimhen's Crucial Role
Nigeria's journey in the tournament was marked by strong performances and determination. The Super Eagles topped their group with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, then cruised past Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 and beat Algeria 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Their run was halted in the semifinals by host nation Morocco after a goalless draw that ended in a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat.
Despite this setback, the team showed character to bounce back in the third-place match. Osimhen played a pivotal role throughout, scoring four goals and registering two assists in six matches despite carrying an injury. His efforts earned him a place in CAF's Team of the Tournament, further cementing his importance to the national side.
Osimhen's Plea to Retain Coach Chelle
In a related development, Victor Osimhen has reportedly sent a bold message to the Nigeria Football Federation urging them to retain Eric Chelle as coach. Chelle was appointed in January 2025 following Nigeria's disappointing performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and his leadership during AFCON has clearly resonated with key players like Osimhen.
This emotional story highlights not just the physical challenges athletes face but the profound human connections that drive team spirit in high-stakes competitions. Chelle's vulnerability and Osimhen's respect encapsulate the dedication behind Nigeria's bronze medal achievement in Morocco.
