Super Eagles’ gaffer, Eric Sekou Chelle has given credit to his backroom staff in the Nigerian national team for helping him emerge as best coach of the group stage at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Sports247 reports.
The Franco-Malian tactician was humble in his response to the recognition that was officially announced on Friday by Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Eagles’ gaffer stressed that he did not achieve it alone.
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Incidentally, the accolades by CAF came on the eve of the first-year anniversary for Chelle since taking over the Super Eagles’ saddle, with which he has an unbeaten run in open play across all 13 matches he handled the squad.
His only loss during regulation time was a 2-1 set back in an unofficial friendly versus Egypt a few days before AFCON 2025, while his team lost to DR Congo on penalties after settling for a 1-1 draw in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off final.
Chelle said: “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, a media statement by the information department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed that Chelle started his preparations for Monday’s round of 16 game versus Mozambique with 25 players on Friday evening at Sardienne Complex in Fès.
Blackburn Rovers of England defender, Ryan Alebiosu is recovering from a leg injury, Panathinaikos of Greece forward, Cyriel Dessers returned to his club due to a thigh injury, while Tochukwu Nnadi missed training with a cold.
The media statement added: “Following the group phase matches, Nigeria has now scored a total of 152 goals in 107 matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, since their debut at the finals in Ghana in 1963.”
