Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Eric Sékou Chelle has made it clear that his immediate focus is on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, even as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON draw has placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Chelle, who led Mali to the quarterfinals in the previous AFCON, has emphasised that he will start preparing for the continental tournament in October 2025. For now, his primary objective is to guide the Super Eagles back on track in the World Cup qualifiers, where they are currently winless after four matches.
“There is no little team in AFCON, you need to be focused,” Chelle remarked. “Right now, I’m focused on my players and the team’s performance in March. We need to win the two games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe before thinking about AFCON.”
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The Super Eagles secured their spot in the 2025 AFCON by topping their qualification group with 11 points from six games. Despite this, Chelle is focused on their immediate challenge in the World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches coming up in March.
The 2025 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco, is expected to be highly competitive. However, Chelle’s priority is to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup, with the AFCON serving as a later focus.
Editorial
Eric Sékou Chelle’s pragmatic approach to prioritising the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers over early preparations for the 2025 AFCON is a strategic move. While fans might eagerly anticipate AFCON glory, the importance of securing Nigeria’s place on the world stage cannot be overstated. Chelle’s focus on immediate objectives, such as regaining form in the qualifiers, reflects his understanding of the broader picture.
Chelle’s track record with Mali showcases his tactical acumen, and the decision to delay AFCON preparations until October demonstrates his commitment to addressing pressing challenges first. The Super Eagles’ current position in the World Cup qualifiers underscores the need for immediate attention to this campaign.
While Nigeria’s AFCON draw seems favourable, with Tunisia being the only higher ranked opponent, complacency must be avoided. Chelle’s emphasis on focus and preparation for all opponents is a necessary reminder of the unpredictability of football tournaments.
As fans, we appreciate Chelle’s strategic vision. His ability to balance long-term goals with immediate priorities will be crucial for Nigeria’s success in both the AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers. We look forward to seeing how his approach translates on the pitch.
Did You Know?
- Eric Sékou Chelle is the first Franco-Malian coach to lead the Nigerian national team.
- Nigeria’s three AFCON titles came under the guidance of Otto Glória 1980, Clemens Westerhof 1994, and Stephen Keshi 2013.
- Tunisia knocked Nigeria out of the 2021 AFCON in the Round of 16, setting up a potential grudge match in 2025.
- The 2025 AFCON will be hosted in Morocco, marking the country’s first time hosting the tournament since 1988.
- Nigeria has participated in 20 AFCON tournaments, finishing as champions three times and runners-up five times.
