Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has said Nigeria’s final Group C clash against Uganda will be decided by smart player management rather than overconfidence.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle explained that success at the Africa Cup of Nations goes beyond relying on a fixed starting eleven, stressing the importance of squad depth and timing.
“This is not a competition for the first eleven, it’s a competition for the entire team. Sometimes, the player who comes on for just five minutes scores the winning goal,” Chelle said.
According to the coach, his game plan changes as the tournament progresses, with the final group match focused on balance and preparing the team for the knockout rounds.
“The first game is about intensity, the second about tactics, and the third is about managing players. We want to win, but we also have to think ahead to the next round,” he added.
Chelle also spoke about the pressure that comes with managing the Super Eagles, describing the job as demanding but motivating due to the country’s high expectations.
“When I took this job, I moved to another level. The pressure is constant, but it pushes me to give my very best for the team,” he said.
The coach took time to praise striker Victor Osimhen on his birthday, describing him as one of the best players in the world and expressing hope that the tournament will be memorable for him.
“He’s focused, happy, and in good shape. I wish him many goals and hope this AFCON becomes a special one for him,” Chelle said.
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi also addressed the media, saying the players remain fully focused despite already securing qualification for the Round of 16.
“The mood in the camp is great and everyone is excited, but that last game is behind us. Our attention is completely on the next match,” Ndidi said.
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Reflecting on scoring his first goal for Nigeria, Ndidi described it as an emotional moment, revealing that his celebration was inspired by his father and Nigerian football legend, Kanu Nwankwo.
“That goal meant a lot to me. Wearing Kanu’s old number four jersey reminded me of how my dad used to talk about him, and the celebration just came naturally,” he explained.
Nigeria currently sits top of Group C with two wins and will take on Uganda at the Complex Sportif de Fès on Tuesday, as the Super Eagles look to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stage.
