Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle cut a reflective figure on the eve of Nigeria’s third-place playoff against Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, admitting deep disappointment at missing the final while insisting the tournament still offers lessons and a chance to finish strongly.
Nigeria face Egypt on Saturday for the bronze medal after both sides fell in the semi-finals, the Eagles losing to hosts Morocco on penalties.
Chelle revealed the personal weight of Nigeria’s missed title shot, linking it to a promise made to his French father. “I promised my dad to come back with the trophy. We didn’t do it,” he said. “We will go home with the third place.”
Despite the setback, the coach stressed his long-term vision for the team. “Reality is I’m very disappointed to be here because I have a lot of ambitions for this team, for these players,” Chelle said.
He added that leadership within the squad had helped steady emotions after the Morocco defeat.
“My captain said if I ask something from my players, I have to do the same,” he explained.
“Yesterday is gone. I just want to win this game.”
Asked how he copes with the pressure, Chelle replied with candour. “There is not a question about pressure. I want to win this game and I have a lot of pressure,” he said, before adding: “The only solution I found is a big smile.”
Looking beyond the tournament, Chelle hinted at changes if retained by Nigeria. “If God gives me the chance to be the coach after the AFCON, I’d love to bring in more players for the team,” he said, signalling a possible refresh of the Super Eagles squad.
Across the divide, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan struck a defiant tone, making clear his side’s ambition to deny Nigeria a podium finish. “We will fight for victory tomorrow in order to get on the podium and close the AFCON on a positive note,” Hassan told reporters.
