By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 12, 2026

Eric Chelle has hailed the mindset and commitment of his players as the key factor behind Nigeria’s dominant run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles secured a 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria at the Marrakech Stadium, with Chelle praising his squad’s discipline, focus, and unity following the performance.

In a post-match interview, Chelle highlighted the work ethic of the players and the progress made since his appointment in January 2025.

“Other countries can see the work I do. Actually, I feel good. I work with my players, I spend my time with them, and I am very happy to be here with these guys. I am very proud of my players,” Chelle said.

“This game, as I said, reflects the work they have put in since January last year. They have worked very hard.”

The coach noted that the team has benefited from an increased number of training sessions in recent months.

“For a long time, we only had one or two training sessions, but now we have more sessions to work on and improve. Personally, I am happy because my vision for this team is showing results. I feel good. My little smile comes from seeing my players very happy in the locker room,” he added.

Chelle praised the players for their focus both on the team and on individual responsibilities.

“They are focused, they are focused on the group, they are focused on the game. They try to understand what I want, and they achieve it. I am very happy for them,” he said.

The Franco-Malian tactician also reiterated his ambition for the team and his approach to managing expectations.

“My ambition is to win every game. When we win a game, we have to stay focused on the next game. Every time, it is the same line for me. Regarding the NFF, I do my job, and afterwards, whether I win or lose, I will be judged, and there will be discussion,” he explained.

Chelle’s first year as Nigeria’s coach has been marked by both heartbreak and resurgence. He took over a team in turmoil following the unstable tenures of Finidi George and Jose Peseiro.

His mandate was to stabilise the squad, instil tactical discipline, and revive the team’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes. Within months, Chelle had transformed the team, moving away from individual reliance to build a cohesive unit that emphasised defensive organisation and rapid transitions.

Despite a devastating loss to DR Congo in the CAF World Cup play-off final in November 2025, where Nigeria lost 3-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, Chelle quickly refocused the team for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria has since recorded five consecutive wins in the tournament, including a clean sweep of group stage matches, a 4-0 round of 16 victory over Mozambique, and the recent 2-0 quarterfinal triumph over Algeria, which saw the Desert Foxes fail to register a single shot on target.

Statistically, Chelle’s squad has been impressive at AFCON 2025, scoring 14 goals in five matches played and just four conceded.

The team averages 2.8 goals per game, maintains 62 per cent possession, and completes 88.6 per cent of passes accurately.

Defensively, Nigeria has kept two clean sheets, averaging 14.6 tackles and 16.2 clearances per game, while committing just one penalty.

Chelle’s tactical approach has leveraged the pace and technical skill of new starters like Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemachi on the full back flanks, Ademola Lookman playing behind Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in his 4-4-2 diamond setup.

Nigeria now prepares for a semifinal clash against host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Chelle aiming to carry forward the same focus and determination that has defined the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign while admitting there is still room for improvement.

“With this win, we have arrived in the semi-final. The game of my team is good, sometimes very good, but sometimes there are some mistakes,” Chelle concluded.

“Everybody is now curious about Eric Chelle. But I am not on the pitch; this is the players’ responsibility. My role is to do my job, and I try to do it with my own feelings and approach.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 12, 2026

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