Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has sent a message of warning to the Super Eagles to be ready to work harder to get even better ahead of the last 16 challenge at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Still, Chelle admits he is comfortable with the growing pressure of the AFCON knockout stage after the Super Eagles completed a perfect group campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uganda in Fez on Tuesday night.
The win sealed three victories from three matches for Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON, confirming top spot in Group C with nine points and setting up a last-16 tie against one of Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique, also in Fez on Monday.
For Chelle, who guided Mali to the knockout rounds of the 2023 tournament before losing to eventual champions Ivory Coast, the sense of expectation around Nigeria does not weigh heavily. Instead, the Super Eagles coach says he has grown more comfortable with pressure, and even welcomes it.
“The round of 16 is a lot of pressure, for sure, but I am fascinated by that. Since I arrived, I have had a lot of pressure and I feel good,” Chelle said.
“I feel good because the town is perfect, the hotel is perfect and the atmosphere is perfect.”
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Super Eagles boss Chelle: ‘We are calm, focused and working every day’
Chelle also pointed to a calmer presence on the touchline compared to his last AFCON experience, stressing that clarity of thought and daily work have shaped Nigeria’s impressive showing.
“We are calm and, if you watch the game, I think I am calmer than at the last AFCON. I try to stay focused during the game, only on the game. I have my vision. Sometimes it is very good, sometimes it is bad. That is football. We work every day and the team works hard,” he said.
The 47-year-old praised Nigeria’s base in Fez, even with cold conditions affecting preparations, and revealed that the Uganda fixture was used to test new ideas.
Despite the convincing nature of the victory, Chelle made clear that Nigeria must raise their level further if they are to challenge for the title.
“I am happy about the victory, but we have to improve again. If we want to be ambitious, we have to improve again.”
Nigeria had taken the lead in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu finished from close range after sustained pressure, following an assist from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Uganda’s task became harder early in the second half when second-choice goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off for handball.
The Super Eagles took full advantage, with Raphael Onyedika scoring twice in five minutes, in the 62nd and 67th minutes, both goals created by Samuel Chukwueze.
Although Rogers Mato pulled one back for Uganda in the 75th minute, Nigeria saw out the game comfortably to end the Cranes’ campaign.
Chelle was particularly pleased with the response from his rotated squad.
“The group gave a good answer today because the players who did not start the previous games started today and they showed something. They scored three goals and I am very happy about that,” he added.
That depth, however, has now created selection headaches.
“Now I have a little pain in my head because I have to make a lot of choices, because everybody can play in this team, and that is perfect for me,” Chelle concluded.
Nigeria will face one of Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon or Mozambique in the last 16 of the 2025 AFCON.