Proud of My Players” – Everything Eric Chelle Said After Super Eagles’ Victory Over Ghana
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle shared his thoughts in a candid post-match press conference after guiding Nigeria to a hard-fought 2-1 win over arch-rivals Ghana in the semi-finals of the 2025 Unity Cup. The victory, sealed by a Cyriel Dessers goal and a Razak Simpson own goal, booked Nigeria a place in the final against Jamaica.
Speaking at the Gtech Community Stadium, Chelle praised African football, discussed his tactical philosophy, reflected on the team’s second-half dip, and commended the impact of home-based players he handed debuts to.
On the Importance of the Unity Cup and African Football
Chelle underlined the broader significance of the Unity Cup for African football:
“I think it is very good for Africa to have a tournament like this. We need to show the world what football in Africa is really like. We have so many great players – in Nigeria, Ghana, everywhere. You see our players succeeding in European leagues. Clubs want African talent because we are very good, but the reality is when you’re based in Africa, clubs don’t spend as much. I’m really happy for my players and for all African players who played a great game in a great stadium.”
On Facing Jamaica in the Final
Looking ahead to the final clash against the Reggae Boyz, Chelle said his team is focused, even with limited preparation time:
“We’ve only played one game, so now we prepare for the next. Jamaica are a great team, with great players and staff. It will be another great game. We’ll have two or three training sessions, then we’ll see.”
When asked specifically about Jamaica’s intensity and athleticism:
“You will see on Saturday,” Chelle said with a smile, keeping his cards close to his chest.
On Losing Intensity in the Second Half
Chelle addressed a now-familiar issue — a second-half dip in performance:
“My philosophy is to play high pressing football. But this system is demanding. My dream is to see my team press for 90 minutes, but I know it’s nearly impossible. Since I took over, we’ve had maybe seven or eight training sessions, and we’ve played three matches – two wins and a draw. We need time. I think we had a great first half, and though we were tired later, the players gave everything. I’m proud of them.”
On the Home-Based Players Who Debuted
The coach handed debuts to several talents, including Papa Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), Alimi Sikiru (Remo Stars), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and Chinemerem Ugwueze (both from Enugu Rangers), and Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague).
“These players have quality. My job is to analyze and make choices. If I’m wrong, I’m guilty — but I want to give chances to players who can add something. Maybe one of them scores a last-minute winner against Rwanda or South Africa. My job is to build the best team possible for Nigeria — both local and international players. I’m happy to be here, and we’re focused on the next game in September.”
Nigeria will now prepare for the Unity Cup final showdown against Jamaica on Saturday, where Chelle’s ability to manage intensity and squad rotation — especially with home-based players — will again be put to the test.
