Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has embraced the pressure of the AFCON knockout rounds ahead of the Super Eagles’ clash with Mozambique, despite losing striker Cyriel Dessers to a three-month injury.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has admitted to feeling the weight of expectation as the Super Eagles prepare for their AFCON 2025 round-of-16 tie against Mozambique.
Speaking in Fes, Morocco, Chelle emphasized that the group stage successes are now irrelevant as the knockout phase begins.
“This is the end of the group stage,” Chelle stated. “Another tournament starts… The state of the mind of the group is good.”
The Super Eagles boss addressed the pressure from the Nigeria Football Federation, which has publicly demanded a place in the final.
Chelle noted that high stakes have been a constant since he took the job, explaining, “Since I took this job, I have been under pressure.
Game after game, we want to become ambitious, but we want to think about the next game.” He remains focused on Monday night’s decisive match.
However, Nigeria’s preparations have been marred by a significant injury to striker Cyriel Dessers.
Chelle confirmed the forward faces a long-term absence, stating, “Dessers has a bigger injury and should be out for about 10-12 weeks.”
Captain Wilfred Ndidi echoed the need for total focus, noting that while winning the trophy is the ultimate goal, the team cannot afford to look past the challenge posed by the Mambas.