Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle played down talk of arrival despite his side’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique, insisting the real challenge now is sustaining standards as the Africa Cup of Nations enters its decisive phase.
The Super Eagles swept aside a combative Mozambique team with authority, delivering the kind of attacking performance Eric Chelle had spoken about before the match. But rather than celebrate a dream fulfilled, the Franco-Malian coach was quick to strike a note of caution.
“I’m happy about this game. It’s a victory with four goals, but we just won one game,” Eric Chelle told journalist.
“If we want to be ambitious, we need to continuously improve and keep this quality on the pitch.”
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Chelle acknowledged Mozambique’s aggression but praised his players for maintaining control and discipline, stressing that his immediate focus is on mentality rather than tactics.
“A positive dynamic is very easy to lose and very hard to maintain,” he explained. “My job now is to keep the players very focused, especially in training.”
The 47-year-old also spoke glowingly about the organisation of the tournament, describing an environment that allows teams to concentrate fully on football.
“This AFCON is very well organised,” he said. “People take care of us,there are no distractions. I don’t watch social media, I watch nothing – I just focus on my job and my players.”
Asked about a brief moment of visible frustration involving Victor Osimhen during the match, Chelle shut down any suggestion of unrest within the squad.
“What happens on the pitch stays in the group,” he said firmly. “This is about my management. We will talk internally.”
Nigeria’s defensive solidity was also on display as they kept a clean sheet, while fans inside the stadium called for even more goals. Chelle, however, reminded supporters that bigger tests lie ahead.
“I’m very proud of my players – they played a great game,” he said. “But this is only one game. Now we travel to Marrakech and prepare for a big match against Algeria or DR Congo.”
For Chelle, the win validates the work being done behind the scenes, but not enough to ease off.
“This is a big job, and every day I try to be the best coach for this team,” he added. “This is the moment we have to work more.”
Nigeria’s progression to the quarter-finals continues a familiar path for Chelle, who previously reached the same stage with Mali. Yet he refused to express a preference for their next opponent.
“Algeria are tactically and technically strong, DR Congo play very well too,” he said. “I don’t want to choose. Whoever we face, it will be a great fight.”
With 12 goals scored so far in the tournament, Chelle admitted there is still room for improvement at both ends of the pitch.
“My vision is simple,” he concluded.
“To improve with every game.”
For Nigeria, the scoreline may have sent a message to the rest of the continent. For Eric Chelle, it is merely the starting point.
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