Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has offered a mixed assessment of Nigeria’s U20 side following their 2-2 draw with Kenya at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelle, who arrived in Egypt just in time to witness the Flying Eagles’ final Group B match, watched on as the East Africans — already eliminated after two defeats — twice took the lead. Nigeria, however, clawed back both times to snatch a vital point and seal a place in the quarterfinals.
Nigeria: Eric Chelle lauds Flying Eagles' fighting spirit but warns of fatigue ahead of Senegal clash
Speaking to CAFOnline after the game, Chelle praised the team's resilience while also pointing out areas of concern.
“I’m very happy with our U20 team's qualification. It wasn’t an easy match, because we were up against a very good team (Kenya). We reacted in this match. Every time we conceded a goal, the team responded well,” he said.
However, the former Mali coach was quick to admit that the performance was far from flawless.
“I felt we were a little tired. It’s true that we struggled with our attacking play, but it was a very interesting match to watch.”
Chelle, who has been keeping a close eye on Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and CHAN Eagles, highlighted the importance of the U20 AFCON as a breeding ground for future senior internationals.
“U20 are 19-year-olds, 18-year-olds. These are players who, in a year, or even two years, will be in their country’s senior national team. There are good players in this team, there are some in the Kenyan team too. I think it’s good to come and watch,” he added.
Eric Chelle was also impressed with the overall structure of the tournament and CAF’s commitment to development.
“I was very pleased to see CAF technicians in the stands analysing the matches. I think CAF is trying to progress, to bring things that are helping our football in Africa to progress,” said Chelle.
“We have to make sure we have very strong football, so that we become the number one.”
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The tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, has reached its quarter-final stage after a dramatic group phase. Eight teams — Egypt, DR Congo, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and South Africa — have advanced.
Quarter-final fixtures (Monday, 12 May):
- 12:00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal
- 15:00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt
- 15:00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone
- 18:00 GMT | South Africa vs DR Congo
Defending champions Senegal narrowly edged DR Congo on goal difference to finish second behind Ghana in Group C, setting up a blockbuster clash against Nigeria.
Morocco topped Group B ahead of Nigeria, while hosts Egypt secured qualification as one of the best third-placed teams with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania.
South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Ghana also impressed during the group stages, ensuring a thrilling knockout round to come.
Momoh Kamara currently leads the goalscoring charts with four goals.
