“We need to win two games”- Eric Chelle shares take on Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 first round opponents

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that he is not concerned about the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Rather, he is focused on preparing his team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in March, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Confederation of African Football held the draws for the upcoming 2025 AFCON in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday.

See you in December. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/KTceOywRtf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) January 27, 2025

Nigeria were drawn in Group C of the 2025 AFCON alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Super Eagles coach Chelle was in Morocco for the draws and was queried on Nigeria's chances of qualifying from the group.

However, the Franco-Malian stated that his current major concern is the World Cup Qualifiers.

“There is no little team in the AFCON, you need to be focused. Right now, I'm focused on my players, on my team and on March,” Chelle said, per Pooja Media.

“We need to be focused on the World Cup Qualifiers. Then in October, we will think about the AFCON. But now, we need to win two games in March.”

Recall that Chelle was appointed as Super Eagles coach on January 8, replacing Augustine Eguavoen, who had been interim boss since last September.

Chelle's major task is to rescue a World Cup ticket for the Super Eagles, who currently sit 5th with three points after four games in Group C of the Qualifiers.

Nigeria's remaining games are against Rwanda (A), Zimbabwe (H), Rwanda (H), South Africa (A), Lesotho (A), and Benin (H).

The next two games are in March, against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Chelle must start on a good note to put Nigeria in a good position.

If he fails to win the next two matches in March, the Super Eagles may have to focus on qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.