SUPER Eagles of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has hailed his players for their mental strength despite losing 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash in Rabat last night.
The tense match of few chances ended 0-0 after regulation time and extra-time at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Morocco converting four of their five spot kicks while Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed for the Super Eagles after Stanley Nwabali had saved one of the hosts’ efforts.
Chelle described the defeat as painful but insisted his players gave their all on the pitch.
“The match was never easy, but the players showed strong mentality and fought for every ball,” Chelle told reporters.
Chelle explained that the Super Eagles adopted an aggressive pressing approach to limit Morocco’s attacking threat.
“We pressed high because if you don’t press, you leave spaces and the situation becomes very complicated,” he added.
The former international however admitted the Super Eagles did not perform to their usual technical standards.
“Technically, we were not at the level of our previous matches. I won’t blame fatigue, but we lacked movement and power,” Chelle said.
The Super Eagles will now face Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday, while Morocco and Senegal will contest the final.
“We worked hard throughout the tournament. This is football, and we must continue working,” Chelle said.