Nigeria Vs Tanzania: Eric Chelle Confident in Super Eagles Players Ahead of AFCON Opener
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says he is fully focused on winning Nigeria’s first match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria play Tanzania in their Group C opener on Tuesday.
The match will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco. Nigeria hope to repeat their success from 1980, when they beat Tanzania 3–1 in their opening game and went on to win their first AFCON title.
Speaking before the match, Chelle said:
“We are happy to be here. This is a big game because it is the first one, and the first game is very important. We want to win.”
The Malian coach was asked about rumours about his future as head coach, but he refused to discuss it. He said his only focus is the team and the tournament.
“I am only thinking about the game and my players. After AFCON, we will talk with the NFF. For now, we are focused on the first match. We want to show our ambition.”
Nigeria will miss several defenders. Ola Aina is out with a hamstring injury, Benjamin Fredrick has a knee problem, and former captain William Troost-Ekong has retired. Even so, Chelle said he trusts the players he has.
“I am not worried. I trust my players. Of course, I would like everyone to be here, but I believe in the team. Defence is not only about defenders. Everyone works hard and we are ready for this game.”
Chelle also said the team must focus on themselves and not distractions.
“The most important thing is to focus on us, because our first opponent is ourselves,” he said.
“We are here to be ambitious. I don’t think about the past or the World Cup qualifiers. The most important thing is the next game.”
Match details
Competition: AFCON 2025, Group C
Match: Nigeria vs Tanzania
Date & Time: Tuesday, 6:30pm
Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco
Nigeria will hope to start strongly in a group that also includes Tunisia and Uganda.
