“I’ll bring that trophy home” – Eric Chelle boasts ahead of the AFCON 2027 tournament

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed his ambition to win the AFCON 2027 tournament with the Nigerian National team, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Franco-Malian tactician was appointed on January 7th, 2025, and is yet to lose a game in regular time in his time on the sidelines.

However, he's fallen short of his major targets so far – Qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and winning the AFCON 2025 tournament.

The Super Eagles fell short to Morocco in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout, before claiming a record 9th bronze medal against Egypt in the third-place game.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Eric Chelle eyes AFCON 2027 triumph

Following Nigeria's third-place victory against Egypt, the 48-year-old revealed the bronze medal was a respite for his future.

Chelle mentioned he was well aware that if he returned to Nigeria with nothing, he might not have a job anymore.

“Yes, it's positive, but it was tough today. I'm proud of my players. They showed character again against a very good Egyptian team,” the former MC Oran coach said in an interview with Canal + Sport Afrique.

“It was our third penalty shootout since I've been here, and we won it. Maybe it's a sign. Now, on a personal level, I don't know if I can talk about it now. Anyway, I don't care.

“It's true that if we hadn't finished third, it would have been difficult for me to continue, even as a coach, you know.

“You come in, you have your first Africa Cup of Nations, where you have the best team in terms of play with Mali, and then you're eliminated in the quarterfinals.

“Then there are a lot of discussions, there's a personal questioning of the choices. And then you have the Africa Cup of Nations.

“There again, you're the best team on the pitch in terms of play, in terms of intensity and philosophy. And then bam, you fail again.

“It's true that for me, it would have been hard to continue.

The former RC Lens defender revealed there were times he'd considered quitting due to the ‘almost-success' syndrome. In his words, he wanted to try something new.

“I could have stopped coaching. To do what? Come on, let's be honest. No, but to do what? Maybe I could have.

“Maybe I could have been in a role where we focused more on player development, or in a role as a national technical director, to try and instil a philosophy. That's it. But no, once again, the players gave me this wonderful gift. I'm happy.

“It's pride. It's a relief. I went to see my mom and dad, and told them I was coming back with the AFCON trophy. Mom, Dad, sorry, I'm only coming back with third place, but that's already exceptional for me.

In all, Eric Chelle was pleased with the infrastructure put in place by the host nation, Morocco, allowing the other countries to play to full strength, and he hopes he'll be on the winning end next year.

“Thank you to this country for organising this AFCON so well. I had a lot of fun with my team. It was great. Thank you.

“It was extraordinary. And we'll meet again in two years, and God willing, I'll bring that trophy home,” the Super Eagles coach concluded.

With the World Cup not on Nigeria's schedule, the players have about six months of non-competitive National team football ahead of them, and it'll be the perfect time for the Super Eagles coach to try out some new faces before the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers begin.