AFCON 2025: Chelle demands higher standards despite perfect group stage
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has cautioned his players against complacency, insisting Nigeria must raise their level despite securing a flawless group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria sealed qualification for the round of 16 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda in Fez on Tuesday, finishing top of Group C with a maximum nine points.
The result set up a knockout tie against one of Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique on Monday, also in Fez.
Coach embraces pressure ahead of knockout phase
While acknowledging the increased scrutiny that comes with the knockout rounds, Chelle made it clear he is comfortable operating under pressure and sees it as part of the job at this level.
“The round of 16 brings pressure, of course, but I like that,” Chelle said. “Since I arrived, there has been pressure and I feel good with it. The environment here is right, the organisation is right, and the atmosphere around the team is positive.”
Drawing comparisons with his previous AFCON experience with Mali, the 47-year-old noted a calmer approach on the touchline, attributing Nigeria’s consistency to focus and daily preparation rather than emotion.
Uganda win used to test depth and ideas
Chelle revealed the Uganda match was an opportunity to assess squad depth and experiment tactically.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Paul Onuachu, before taking control after Uganda goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off early in the second half.
Raphael Onyedika’s quick-fire brace, both assisted by Samuel Chukwueze, put the game beyond doubt, despite a late consolation from Rogers Mato.
The coach expressed satisfaction with the response of his rotated lineup, highlighting competition for places as a positive problem.
“The players who didn’t start the previous games showed quality,” Chelle said. “They scored three goals and gave the right answer. Now I have a headache because I have many options, and that’s exactly what you want in a tournament.”
Focus shifts to improvement, not celebration
Despite the convincing result, Chelle stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to stand still if they intend to contend for the title.
“I am happy with the win, but we must improve again,” he said. “If we want to be ambitious, improvement is non-negotiable.”
Nigeria will now await confirmation of their round-of-16 opponents as attention shifts fully to the knockout phase of AFCON 2025.
