Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made it clear that Nigeria’s full attention is firmly fixed on their opening match against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, dismissing any distraction from past setbacks.
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Speaking on Monday during his pre-match press conference in Morocco, Chelle stressed that the team has drawn a line under previous disappointments and is fully locked in on the task ahead.
“We are here and we have a game tomorrow and also a tournament, so we don’t have the time to think about what has happened before,” the Malian tactician said.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued to generate debate back home, but Chelle was unequivocal that AFCON is now the priority for both himself and his players.
“This is not the moment to talk about the World Cup qualifiers. For now, the most important thing is this tournament,” he added.
Chelle also underlined the significance of a strong start, describing the opening fixture as a key moment in Nigeria’s continental campaign.
“Our first game is a big game, and the first game is very important. For sure, we want to win this game,” he concluded.
The Super Eagles will take on Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday in their Group opener as they begin their quest for continental glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The encounter is expected to set the tone for Nigeria’s ambitions in the tournament as Chelle looks to make an immediate impact on the AFCON stage.
