The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured five straight wins at the AFCON 2025 tournament, and Eric Chelle has played a huge role in that, Soccernet.ng reports.
14 goals scored and two clean sheets, alongside a clear attacking playing style, has seen the Franco-Malian tactician win over the hearts of many Nigerians, including Victor Osimhen.
Although the Super Eagles didn't qualify for the World Cup, their display at the AFCON 2025 tournament has given the fans some recompense.
Chelle, who's spent a year in charge of the three-time AFCON 2025 winners, is yet to lose a game in regular time, and even extra time. That resolve will be tested against Morocco.
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Super Eagles: Victor Osimhen lauds Eric Chelle's heroics in Nigeria's AFCON 2025 campaign
The Galatasaray forward believes the current crop of Nigerian players are extremely talented, and Chelle bringing the best out of them has been nothing short of exceptional.
“About 70% to 80% of players in our squad have played football at the highest level, so, for me, the whole squad is calm,” the 27-year-old told CBS Sports Golazo in an interview.
“We're just doing our job, doing what the coach wants us to do and playing how he [the coach] wants us to.
“I think he [Chelle] deserves a lot of praise, as well as the rest of the squad, because we've been playing amazingly well.
“When we look at the videos, for each action, the coach shows us, we applaud ourselves because we know we have the squad, we have the talent to play, but now we've got someone to put this talent in its place, who knows when to unleash the beast in his squad.
“I'm really pleased with the squad, I'm happy with the mentality. It's not just about the leaders; it's about everyone taking responsibility, and they've done that so far,” the ex-LOSC Lille striker continued.
“We have been playing amazingly well… We know we have the squad, we know we have the talent.”
Victor Osimhen on the Super Eagles’ AFCON performances so far pic.twitter.com/tEHHIRw7cH
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 13, 2026
No pressure against Morocco
Osimhen will be looking to put Morocco to the sword when he plays against the Atlas Lions in the AFCON 2025 semi-final tonight.
Quizzed if his teammates are feeling pressured ahead of the clash against the host nation, the 2023 CAF Player revealed they're geared up, while playing up his desire to break Rashidi Yekini's Nigeria goal record.
“They[Morocco] have a very good squad, talented players, but I think we are one of the most feared teams within this tournament.
“There is no pressure; we take it as it comes. We just display something for the world to see; we're up for this trophy.
“It won't be easy because the Moroccans are coming with their fans in thousands, but again, many of us have played in stadiums packed with 90,000 people.
“For me, there's no pressure. I don't think about it, but when the game comes, we go for the win. It won't be easy, but we've got a chance,” Osimhen concluded.
The game between Nigeria and Morocco will be played at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, with kick-off slated for 9:00 PM WAT.
