Nigeria’s new head coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles are heading to Morocco next month with one clear goal: to win the Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 35th edition of the continental showpiece, which kicks off in December, promises to be one of the most competitive in modern history.
With at least eight nations boasting realistic title credentials, the 2025 AFCON could be remembered as the tournament that defines a generation.
Ivory Coast, champions on home soil last year, lead a strong pack that includes Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria, Senegal, Egypt, and hosts Morocco. Former winners DR Congo, Tunisia, Sudan, South Africa, and Zambia complete a formidable field.
Chelle, who guided Mali to the quarter-finals in the last edition of the tournament before a late defeat to the Ivorians, believes his experience and Nigeria’s attacking firepower could finally end the Super Eagles’ 12-year wait for continental glory.
Speaking to CAFOnline.com, the Franco-Malian tactician declared:
“Of course we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON. My last — and first — AFCON was a fantastic experience.
“I think Morocco will be a great tournament, too. The players feel the same. Since March we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar. We’ll be ready mentally and in our collective mindset. If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult.
“But there are big teams: Morocco are favourites, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire… nations in top form. Our strength is that the players have suffered, then found a way through. That can really hurt opponents.”
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Super Eagles eyes on World Cup playoffs before AFCON battle
Before the AFCON adventure begins, Nigeria face another test: keeping their World Cup dream alive.
After narrowly missing automatic qualification, the Super Eagles must now navigate a tricky playoff path.
They will face Gabon on November 13, and if victorious, meet either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in next March’s Intercontinental playoffs, Africa’s last route to the 2026 World Cup.
Chelle says that task is Nigeria’s ‘crucial target' for now, insisting success there will boost confidence heading into Morocco.
“As I said, I created a bubble. I stay focused on my goals,” Chelle added.
“Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches (note: against Gabon on 13 November and, if successful, the final on 16 November). If we win the first, we’ll aim for the second, then turn to AFCON.
“We’re working in parallel, but our mindset must first be on those immediate tests. When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything. But we proceed with humility, with a smile and a will to work. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated and united, nothing is impossible.”
Chelle will rely on an enviable cast of attacking talent – including Africa Footballer of the Year winners Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen – alongside pacey wingers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, and target man Paul Onuachu.
With such firepower, and a manager blending calm ambition with tactical discipline, Nigeria’s dual pursuit of AFCON and World Cup success could define the nation’s footballing story for years to come.
Asked what headline he’d like to read after the AFCON, Chelle smiled and replied:
“Nigeria, champions of Africa.”
