AFCON: Chelle Admits Pressure as Super Eagles Shift Focus to Mozambique Clash
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has admitted he is under pressure to succeed at the Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Eagles prepare for a crucial round-of-16 clash against Mozambique in Morocco.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Fes ahead of Monday night’s knockout tie, Chelle said the group stage is now over and the real challenge of the tournament begins.
“This is the end of the group stage. Another tournament starts now, and we play against Mozambique,” Chelle said. “The mindset of the team is good. We will have our final training session this evening to prepare for the game tomorrow.”
Nigeria came into the competition with high expectations, and those demands have continued into the knockout rounds, with calls for the team to reach at least the final.
Asked about the pressure, Chelle admitted it comes with the job but said his focus remains on the next match.
“Since I took this job, I have been under pressure,” he said. “Game after game, we want to be ambitious, but we must think about the next game. If we qualify for the quarter-finals, we will think about it then. For now, our focus is Mozambique, and we want to win.”
The former Mali coach also reacted to comments about Nigeria’s fast starts in matches, saying the team must continue to improve.
“This is a good statistic,” Chelle said. “My job is to work with the players, analyse our games and improve every day. We have scored good goals and conceded some as well. We must keep improving and stay focused.”
Chelle also confirmed a major injury setback, revealing that forward Cyriel Dessers will be sidelined for several weeks.
“Dessers has a serious injury and will be out for about 10 to 12 weeks,” he said. “I am disappointed for him, but we must look ahead and play well tomorrow. Ryan should return in a few days.”
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi also stressed that the team is fully focused on knockout football.
“The spirit in camp is very high, and everyone is ready,” Ndidi said. “The group stage is over, and the competition starts now. Winning the AFCON would be special, but our focus is on the next game. That is what matters most.”
Nigeria will face Mozambique under the lights in Fes on Monday night, with kick-off set for 8pm local time, as the Super Eagles look to take another step towards continental success.
