SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has played down his individual recognition at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, insisting that Nigeria’s ultimate objective remains winning the continental trophy.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Chelle spoke after being named CAF Best Coach of the Group Stage, following Nigeria’s flawless performance in the opening round of the tournament.
The Franco-Malian tactician guided the Super Eagles to three wins from three matches, defeating Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda to finish top of their group with a perfect nine-point haul.
The award was announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday, placing Chelle alongside the elite managers at the tournament. However, the Nigerian coach was quick to deflect praise and refocus attention on the team’s collective ambition.
“I am happy about this recognition,” Chelle told NFF Media. “But I would like to give the credit to my backroom staff who work tirelessly to make the team function. This development is a good motivation for me, the players and the entire squad.”
Despite the honour, Chelle stressed that personal accolades were not the reason Nigeria travelled to Morocco.
“This is not why we are here,” he added. “We are here for something bigger and better. We will not get ahead of ourselves and think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused for every match as it comes.”
Nigeria’s group-stage performance has been one of the standout stories of the tournament.
The Super Eagles emerged as one of only two teams, alongside Algeria, to win all their group matches, while also boasting the most potent attack in the opening round.
The team scored eight goals, shared among six different players, underlining Chelle’s emphasis on collective attacking play rather than reliance on a single star.
The impressive showing came against the backdrop of uncertainty surrounding Nigerian football in recent months. Prior to AFCON, the Super Eagles endured a turbulent period marked by inconsistent results and two failed attempts to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising questions about the team’s direction.
Nigeria’s strong group-stage showing was further highlighted by individual recognition, with Ademola Lookman earning a place in CAF’s Group Stage Best XI.
Chelle’s coaching award and Lookman’s selection have been seen as validation of the tactical clarity and renewed belief within the Super Eagles camp.
However, the coach insists that the team must remain grounded as the knockout phase begins.
The Super Eagles will face Mozambique in the round of 16 Monday (today), a fixture Chelle believes will require renewed focus and discipline.
Nigeria, three-time African champions—having lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013—have not won the AFCON title in over a decade. The team came agonisingly close at the 2023 AFCON, finishing runners-up, a memory that continues to fuel their ambition in Morocco.