Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has commended the mental strength and fighting spirit of his players while also responding to speculation about his future following Nigeria’s 4–2 penalty shoot-out defeat to hosts Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking after the dramatic encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Chelle described the loss as painful but insisted his team showed character and determination throughout the contest.
“The match was never easy, but the players showed strong mentality and fought for every ball,” Chelle said.
Nigeria and Morocco were locked in a disciplined contest that ended goalless after regulation time and extra time, living up to its billing as a “final before the final.” Both sides adopted cautious tactical approaches, prioritising defensive organisation.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Super Eagles employed an aggressive pressing strategy to limit Morocco’s attacking influence.
“We pressed high because if you don’t press, you leave spaces and the situation becomes very complicated,” the coach explained.
Chelle, however, admitted that his side did not reach their usual technical standards during key moments of the match.
“Technically, we were not at the level of our previous matches. I won’t blame fatigue, but we lacked movement and power,” he said.
Despite the shortcomings, Nigeria produced another solid defensive display, with Calvin Bassey impressive at the back. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also shone, making a superb one-handed save to deny Hamza Igmane during the penalty shoot-out.
Missed penalties by Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive, as Morocco converted four spot-kicks to book their place in the final.
After the match, Chelle was asked about growing speculation over his position as Super Eagles coach. The 48-year-old played down the rumours, stressing that his focus remains on the team’s next fixture.
“For now, I am still the coach of the Super Eagles,” Chelle said.
“I have a game against Egypt and I want to win.”
Chelle also addressed questions about his team selection, including the decision to start Raphael Onyedika in place of suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi, insisting that responsibility lies with the entire squad.
“This is not a question about one player, it’s about the group,” he added.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place play-off against Egypt in Casablanca. Egypt earlier suffered a 1–0 defeat to Senegal, with Sadio Mane scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute. (NAN)