SUPER Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has heaped glowing praise on Morocco, describing the North African nation as a transformational force in African football following its widely acclaimed hosting of the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Chelle said Morocco not only delivered what many consider one of the best-organised editions of the continental tournament in recent history, but also helped reshape how African football is viewed globally through deliberate investment, strategic planning and historic on-field achievements.
According to the Nigerian tactician, Morocco set a new gold standard for hosting Africa’s flagship football competition, with state-of-the-art stadiums, efficient logistics, and a professional organisational structure that reflected positively on the continent.
He noted that the quality of infrastructure on display during the tournament sent a strong message to the world that Africa is capable of staging global sporting events at the highest level.
“Morocco honoured Africa in front of the world,” Chelle said, in comments relayed by ESPN.
“Every African should thank Morocco, not just for the wonderful organisation of the AFCON or for the stadiums that honoured us as Africans in front of other nations.”
Beyond tournament hosting, Chelle stressed that Morocco’s impact on African football runs much deeper, particularly in influencing global football politics and opportunities for African nations.
He pointed to Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the competition, defeating several European powerhouses along the way.
That achievement, Chelle argued, was a defining moment that forced global football authorities to reassess Africa’s standing in the game.
“More importantly, it was Morocco’s achievement that forced FIFA to increase the number of African teams qualifying for the World Cup after they reached the semi-finals,” Chelle said.
Following Morocco’s breakthrough performance in Qatar, FIFA expanded Africa’s World Cup slots from five to nine, starting from the 2026 tournament — a development widely celebrated across the continent.
Football analysts have since described Morocco’s World Cup run as a watershed moment that shattered long-standing stereotypes about African teams lacking tactical discipline, organisation or consistency at the elite level.
Chelle echoed this view, saying Morocco’s sustained investment in youth development, coaching education, modern facilities and long-term planning has positioned the country as a model for others to emulate.
He added that the success of Moroccan football has created more belief among African teams, coaches and administrators that competing with the world’s best is not only possible, but achievable with the right structures.
According to Chelle, Morocco’s rise has helped open doors for African footballers and coaches, while strengthening the continent’s bargaining power within global football governance.
“Morocco’s success has changed how Africa is seen,” he said. “It has opened more opportunities for African nations to compete, to be respected and to be taken seriously at the highest level.”