Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, held a press conference on Friday ahead of their third-place playoff against Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Head coach Eric Chelle and senior players addressed reporters as the team seeks to end its tournament on a high following a heartbreaking semi-final exit.
Chelle was candid about the squad’s mentality after Nigeria’s 4-2 penalty shootout loss to hosts Morocco in the semi-final earlier this week, a match in which the Eagles were locked 0–0 in regulation time before falling short in the shootout.
“Now, I don’t know my future,” Eric Chelle said when asked about his position as head coach beyond the AFCON. “I know I am the coach of Nigeria. Maybe in a few days my boss will tell me it is finished, or maybe that I have to continue. I don’t know.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Chelle urged focus on the upcoming match against Egypt, stressing that the team must channel its disappointment into motivation.
“We have one last match against Egypt. I’m proud of my players, but I’m disappointed for them because, in reality, we were probably the best team in this AFCON and we might leave this tournament with pride,” he said. “Now is not the time to question my situation. We have to focus on the Egypt match and win this game.”
Chelle also reiterated his belief in the squad’s resilience and preparation. “Morocco really earned this win, but our mindset was positive. We battled for every ball. The players showed a strong mindset and gave us a good response,” he told reporters.
The Super Eagles’ third-place playoff against Egypt is scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. (Nigerian time) at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, offering both sides a chance to secure a podium finish following their respective semi-final exits.
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