AFCON 2025: Chelle acknowledges pressure ahead of Mozambique clash
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has admitted he is operating under significant pressure as Nigeria prepare for the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Mozambique standing between his side and a place in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria face the Mambas in a round-of-16 fixture on Monday night in Fes, Morocco, as the tournament moves beyond the group stage into win-or-go-home territory.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle made it clear that the competition effectively resets at this point.
“This is the end of the group stage,” Chelle said. “Another tournament starts, and we play against Mozambique. The state of the mind of the group is good.”
Expectations follow Nigeria into knockouts
Nigeria arrived at AFCON 2025 with heavyweight expectations, and those demands have intensified with the Nigeria Football Federation publicly targeting a run to the final.
Chelle did not shy away from that reality, acknowledging that pressure has been part of the job since his appointment.
“Since I took this job, I have been under pressure,” he said. “Game after game, we want to become ambitious, but we want to think about the next game.
“If God gives us the chance to go to the quarterfinal, we will think about it. But now we will think about the game against Mozambique, and for sure we want to win this game.”
Injuries and focus on improvement
Chelle also confirmed a significant setback for the Super Eagles, revealing that striker Cyriel Dessers will be sidelined for several weeks due to injury.
“Dessers has a bigger injury and should be out for about 10–12 weeks. I am disappointed for him, but we have to look in front of us and play a great game tomorrow. Ryan should come back in a few days,” he said.
On Nigeria’s performances so far, the coach stressed the need for continuous improvement, particularly at both ends of the pitch. “We scored some good goals and conceded some goals. We have to improve every day,” Chelle added.
