The Super Eagles of Nigeria have swiftly transitioned from their triumphant group stage performance to an intense preparation phase, as they gear up for a crucial Round of 16 clash against Mozambique’s Mambas at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco on Monday.
Coach Eric Sékou Chelle, lauded as the ‘Coach of the Group Phase’, led 25 players through a rigorous training session at the Sardienne Complex in Fès on Friday evening. He was joined by star forward Ademola Lookman, who impressed in the group stages with two goals and two assists.
However, the squad is facing some minor injury concerns. England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu sat out training, recovering from a leg injury sustained during Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Uganda’s Cranes, a result that secured a perfect nine points from nine in the group. Greece-based forward Cyriel Dessers has returned to his club due to a thigh injury, while midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who featured as a second-half substitute against Uganda, was absent from training with a cold.
Coach Chelle has reportedly instilled a clear message to his players: the knockout stage demands a distinct character, prioritising pragmatism over flair.
Nigeria’s prolific scoring record at the Africa Cup of Nations continues, with the team having now netted a total of 152 goals in 107 matches since their tournament debut in Ghana in 1963.
Chelle’s tenure has been remarkably successful, with his side remaining unbeaten in regulation time across 13 competitive matches since his inaugural outing with the Super Eagles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali on 21st March last year. The only two instances of the team leaving the pitch with heads bowed were a sudden-death penalty heartbreak against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup in Rabat last November, and a 1-2 friendly defeat to Egypt in Cairo last month.
Commenting on his recognition as ‘Coach of the Group Phase’, Chelle humbly stated: “I am happy about this recognition. But I will 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.”
He quickly refocused on the task ahead, adding: “However, this is not why we are here. 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.”