Eric Chelle Plays Down On Knockout Pressure As Super Eagles Seal Perfect AFCON Group Run

Coach Eric Chelle has dismissed talk of mounting pressure ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout stage after the Super Eagles wrapped up Group C with a confident 3-1 win over Uganda on Tuesday night in Fez.

The win capped a flawless group campaign for Nigeria, who finished top with nine points from three matches. Attention now turns to Monday’s round of 16 fixture, also in Fez, where the Super Eagles will face one of Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique at the ongoing AFCON.

Speaking after the game, Chelle made it clear that the expectations surrounding the knockout rounds hold no fear for him, insisting pressure has been part of his daily reality since taking charge.

“The round of 16 is a lot of pressure, for sure, but I am fascinated by that. Since I arrived, I have had a lot of pressure and I feel good,” Chelle said.

“I feel good because the town is perfect, the hotel is perfect and the atmosphere is perfect.”

The coach also pointed to a more measured presence on the touchline, compared to previous tournaments, stressing that his focus now is firmly on preparation and consistency rather than emotion.

“We are calm and, if you watch the game, I think I am calmer than at the last AFCON. I try to stay focused during the game, only on the game. I have my vision. Sometimes it is very good, sometimes it is bad. That is football. We work every day and the team works hard,” he said.

Chelle spoke warmly about Nigeria’s base in Fez, praising the calm environment and the reception from locals, even as he acknowledged the challenges posed by the cold weather.

“I am very happy to stay in Fès because the town is good and calm. The people are very nice to us. We are focused and we have our base. We can do a lot of training sessions,” he said.

“Even if the weather is difficult because it is cold, we work. Today was a game to try something different.”

On the pitch, Nigeria took control in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu finished from close range after sustained pressure, converting a neat assist from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Uganda’s situation worsened early in the second half as Salim Magoola was sent off for handball.

The Super Eagles made their numerical advantage count. Raphael Onyedika struck twice in quick succession in the 62nd and 67th minutes, with both goals created by Samuel Chukwueze’s incisive play.

Uganda briefly threatened a comeback when Rogers Mato pulled one back in the 75th minute, but Nigeria saw out the game comfortably to confirm victory and end the Cranes’ tournament.

Despite the perfect group record, Chelle was quick to caution that higher standards will be required in the knockout rounds.

“I am happy about the victory, but we have to improve again. If we want to be ambitious, we have to improve again,” he said.

The coach reserved special praise for his rotated line-up, highlighting the impact of players who were handed rare starts during the group stage finale.

“The group gave a good answer today because the players who did not start the previous games started today and they showed something. They scored three goals and I am very happy about that,” Chelle added.

With competition for places intensifying, Chelle admitted selection decisions are becoming tougher as the tournament progresses, though he sees that as a welcome problem.

“Now I have a little pain in my head because I have to make a lot of choices, because everybody can play in this team, and that is perfect for me,” he concluded.

Nigeria will now look to carry their momentum into the round of 16 as the Super Eagles continue their quest for continental glory.