What Chelle said about Super Eagles, win over Mozambique and face off with Algeria/DR Congo

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shared his thoughts about several topics after guiding the Super Eagles to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Victor Osimhen scored twice, while Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman were also on target as Nigeria swept aside the Mambas in Fez to book their place in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025.

It was Nigeria’s biggest win in Morocco and their fourth consecutive victory of the tournament.

Yet, rather than celebrate the scoreline, Chelle struck a careful, measured tone, warning that the real challenge of the AFCON is just beginning.

“I’m happy about this game. It’s a victory with four goals, but we just won one game,” Eric Chelle said at the post-match press conference.

“If we want to be ambitious, we need to continuously improve and keep this quality on the pitch.”

Mozambique had promised to be aggressive, and while they showed early energy, Nigeria never lost control of the contest. Chelle, however, insisted that maintaining the team’s mental sharpness matters more than any tactical detail at this stage.

“A positive dynamic is very easy to lose and very hard to maintain,” he explained. “My job now is to keep the players very focused, especially in training.”

The Franco-Malian coach, who led Mali at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, also praised the organisation of the tournament, saying it has helped his players concentrate fully on football.

“This AFCON is very well organised,” he said. “People take care of us, there are no distractions. I don’t watch social media, I watch nothing, I just focus on my job and my players.”

Beyond the four goals, another important milestone was reached. After conceding against Tanzania, Tunisia and ten-man Uganda, Nigeria finally kept a clean sheet in Morocco. The defensive unit of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi gave goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali strong protection throughout the match.

While fans inside the stadium called for even more goals, Chelle reminded everyone that the hardest tests still lie ahead.

“I’m very proud of my players, they played a great game,” he said. “But this is only one game. Now we travel to Marrakech and prepare for a big match against Algeria or DR Congo.”

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Chelle warns Super Eagles to be ready for more work

Nigeria will leave Fez for the first time in the tournament as the quarter-finals move to Marrakech. Chelle, who previously reached this stage with Mali, said the progress only increases the demands on his squad.

“This is a big job, and every day I try to be the best coach for this team,” he added. “This is the moment we have to work more.”

Chelle's men could face Algeria, who defeated the Super Eagles at the semifinals of 2019 AFCON, or DR Congo, who ended Nigeria's dreams of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

However, Chelle refused to express any preference for the next opponent.

“Algeria are tactically and technically strong, DR Congo play very well too,” he said. “I don’t want to choose. Whoever we face, it will be a great fight.”

The Super Eagles are the highest-scoring team in Morocco. The 12 goals scored so far equals Nigeria’s best haul in the history of the competition, a feat first achieved by the Super Eagles at the 2000 AFCON.

Still, Chelle admitted there is still room for growth.

“My vision is simple,” he concluded. “To improve with every game.”

Algeria and DR Congo play later tonight, with the winner setting up a mouthwatering clash with the Super Eagles.