The Super Eagles have moved on from their impressive performance in the group stage and are now concentrating on gearing up for the knockout rounds, as they prepare for their round of 16 match against Mozambique’s Mambas on Monday at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Coach Eric Sékou Chelle, who was named Coach of the Group Phase, along with forward Ademola Lookman, who contributed two goals and two assists, led 25 players through a training session on Friday evening at the Sardienne Complex in Fès.
A defender based in England Ryan Alebiosu missed the session as he is recovering from a leg injury sustained during Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Uganda’s Cranes, which allowed Nigeria to finish the group stage with a perfect nine points.
Cyriel Dessers, a forward playing in Greece, has returned to his club due to a thigh injury, while midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who came on as a substitute against the Cranes, was unable to train because of a cold.
Chelle has emphasized to the players the importance of adopting a knockout mentality as they look forward to the crucial match on Monday, advocating for a pragmatic approach rather than seeking sensationalism.
After the group stage, Nigeria has scored a total of 152 goals in 107 matches at the Africa Cup of Nations since their debut in Ghana in 1963.
Chelle remains unbeaten in regulation time across 13 competitive matches with Nigeria since his first game with the Super Eagles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 last year.
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The team has only left the pitch with their heads down on two occasions: during the heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in Rabat last November and in a 1-2 friendly defeat to Egypt in Cairo last month.
Regarding his recognition as Coach of the Group Phase, Chelle stated that “I am pleased with this acknowledgment. However, I want to credit my coaching staff who work tirelessly to ensure the team functions well.
“This recognition serves as motivation for me, the players, and the entire squad.
“Nevertheless, this is not our ultimate goal. We are here for something greater. We will not let this recognition go to our heads; we will continue to work hard and remain focused for each match as it comes.”
