As Nigeria prepares to face Uganda in their final Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), head coach Eric Chelle emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and momentum. Having already secured a spot in the knockout stages, Chelle is determined for the Super Eagles to conclude the group phase on a high note.
“We need to finish strong,” Chelle stated during the pre-match press conference. “The first game is about confidence, the second is about tactical choices, and the third is about mathematics. We don’t need to calculate now; we just need to focus on preparing for the next round.”
Addressing concerns over player fitness, Chelle reassured fans that the team is in good shape. “There are no serious injuries, only small pains,” he noted, referencing players like Stanley Nwabali, Victor Osimhen, and Frank Onyeka. “Some players have issues with their knee or ankle, but they want to play. We will see after the last training session.”
Reflecting on the team’s performance against Tunisia, where Nigeria conceded two late goals, Chelle acknowledged the need for improvement in maintaining intensity throughout the match. “Until the 75th minute, we were the best team on the pitch,” he said. “We have to improve for the last 15 minutes. But, for sure, it is impossible to do high pressure on the pitch for full 90 minutes.”
With Nigeria leading Group C, Chelle’s focus remains on discipline and consistency as the team aims to carry their form into the knockout stages. The Super Eagles will face Uganda on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
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