Captain Wilfred Ndidi says the Super Eagles will try to bounce back from their semifinal disappointment as they prepare to face Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday, Bold Sports reports.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the final were dashed after a painful penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco, but Ndidi says the team are focused on ending the tournament on a positive note as the competition draws to a close.
“Tomorrow will be a very great game. We’ve reached towards the end of the competition. It was a painful loss in the last match, but we’re looking forward to the next one and we want to try and get something out of it,” Ndidi said during his pre-match press conference.
The midfielder reserved special praise for head coach Eric Chelle, crediting him with transforming the team’s mentality and fostering unity within the squad. Ndidi noted that since Chelle’s arrival, the Super Eagles have embraced a collective philosophy that prioritises teamwork over individual brilliance.
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“It has been a good experience since the manager came. He has brought the team together. The way we play now, it’s not about a one-man show, it’s about the team,” he said. “Since when he came, the players have one philosophy and that is the team.”
Ndidi added that Chelle has set a clear benchmark for performance and discipline, one that every player must meet.
“This is the standard he has set. If any new player comes in, he knows he has to adapt to the team standards. Kudos to him, he has done a massive job for us as a nation,” he stated.
According to the captain, while Chelle maintains a close and friendly relationship with his players, there is no room for complacency when it comes to work ethic and professionalism.
“The demand is very high. It has set a standard that if you’re coming in, you have to come correct. He’s a lovely guy, he plays with the team, he’s friendly with everyone. But when it comes to the job, he doesn’t play with it,” Ndidi said.
The Super Eagles captain also spoke about striker Victor Osimhen, describing him as one of the best in world football, while stressing that the team’s strength under Chelle lies in its collective approach.
“We have one of the best strikers in the world. He’s a great player. If he’s not on the pitch, we’ll miss him. It’s normal,” Ndidi said. “But since the coach came, he has made it a team sport. I think you should watch out for this team in a couple of years.”
The Super Eagles’ third-place match against Egypt is scheduled to take place at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday, as Chelle’s side look to end their AFCON campaign on a positive note.
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