Nigeria may not have lifted the AFCON 2025 trophy, but the Super Eagles left Morocco with something just as valuable: belief, identity, and a clear sense of direction.
READ ALSO: DKITS Kwara Schools Volleyball Championship Preliminaries Begin January 21
Under Eric Sékou Chelle, Nigeria played some of the tournament’s most exciting football, finishing with a bronze medal after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Egypt, while setting benchmarks that underlined real progress.
The numbers alone tell a powerful story. Nigeria scored 14 goals, the highest by any team at the competition, and finished unbeaten in open play.
Beyond statistics, however, was a Super Eagles side that played with authority, energy, and personality — a team Nigerians enjoyed watching again.
For many observers, AFCON 2025 felt like the beginning of something sustainable rather than another fleeting high.
A New Mentality, A New Nigeria
Former NPFL top scorer and two-time CAF Champions League winner with Enyimba, Chibuzor Ozurumba, believes Chelle’s biggest impact has been psychological.
“Eric Chelle has done well. A very good coach. He brought in a winning mentality in the team now, something that has been missing in recent years,” Ozurumba said.
He highlighted the team’s improved stamina and dominance across 90 minutes, a recurring weakness in previous tournaments.
“Before, they tired out before the ninety minutes. Now you see how they dominate games from start to finish. The boys play with their hearts.”
Ozurumba also praised Chelle’s tactical intelligence, particularly his use of Alex Iwobi.
“Iwobi did wonders because the coach understands how to deploy him. That reflects how the rest of the players also performed. Nigerians enjoyed watching the Super Eagles again.”
While applauding the progress, Ozurumba offered constructive advice, urging the coach to add more creativity and depth.
“He should look for more playmakers and scout for a defensive midfielder in the quality of Sunday Oliseh. The absence of Ndidi affected us. Introduce younger players and continue to improve — the team needs more depth.”
On individual brilliance, his verdict was emphatic.
“For me, Calvin Bassey stood out. His coverage and timing were fantastic. He can play for any top club in the world.”
“Unbeaten in Open Play — That’s Massive”
Swiss-based Nigerian coach Adeyemi Anthony described Chelle’s AFCON campaign as a blueprint for the future.
“I congratulate all Nigerians and the coaching crew headed by the big elephant, Eric Sékou Chelle. His run has been perfect, and we ask for more.”
Anthony stressed the significance of Nigeria’s unbeaten run in open play.
“Unbeaten in open play in 15 matches — that’s massive and a sign the future will be bright with him in the saddle.”
He also dismissed calls for change, making his stance clear.
“Only an enemy of Nigerian football will say the NFF should not extend Eric Chelle’s contract.”
According to Anthony, Chelle has introduced Nigeria’s most progressive and attacking football in a decade.
“He brought brand new football — attacking-minded, the best in the last 10 years. Scoring 14 goals at AFCON tells a lot of stories.”
On standout performers, Anthony resisted singling out individuals.
“Every player gave their best. The defence defended collectively, the midfield played as a unit, and the attackers understood their duties. The outstanding player is the team.”
Continuity, Home-Based Talent, and the Next Step
Veteran grassroots coach and former Stationery Stores player Godwin Obiyan, credited with discovering Obafemi Martins, echoed the call for continuity.
“I advise the continuation of the coaches for now. They have done well, and the future of Eric Chelle should be safe. He has gelled with the players.”
Obiyan, however, emphasized inclusivity.
“He must give our home-based players equal chance and opportunity too, to blend young talents with experienced ones.”
He rated Nigeria’s performances in the knockout stages highly, especially the third-place match, while identifying one area for improvement.
“The only department I think the coaches should look into is goalkeeping.”
For individual excellence, Obiyan named a familiar trio:
“Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Lookman.”
A Clear Verdict from AFCON 2025
For the first time in years, a strong consensus has emerged across Nigeria’s football community: Eric Sékou Chelle has earned the trust of the nation.
He delivered results, restored confidence, and — crucially — gave the Super Eagles a style fans can believe in.
With attacking football, improved mentality, and visible growth from match to match, AFCON 2025 felt less like a missed opportunity and more like a foundation.
The message from former players, coaches, and fans alike is unmistakable: Nigeria should stay the course.
Continuity, smart squad building, and sustained faith in Chelle’s vision may finally take the Super Eagles from promise to dominance on the continental stage.
