Nigeria’s Super Eagles have put behind them an impressive group-stage campaign and are now fully focused on knockout football ahead of Monday’s Round of 16 clash against Mozambique’s Mambas at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Head coach Eric Sékou Chelle, who was named Coach of the Group Phase alongside forward Ademola Lookman, supervised an intense training session involving 25 players on Friday evening at the Sardienne Complex in Fès.
Defender Ryan Alebiosu did not take part in the session as he continues recovery from a leg injury sustained during Tuesday’s 3–1 victory over Uganda, which sealed a perfect nine points from three matches in the group.
Greece-based forward Cyriel Dessers has returned to his club due to a thigh injury, while midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi missed training after coming down with a cold.
Chelle has repeatedly stressed the need for a shift in mindset as the tournament enters its knockout phase, urging the players to prioritise pragmatism, discipline and tactical awareness over flair.
Nigeria’s latest group-stage success also pushed the Super Eagles’ all-time AFCON goal tally to 152 goals in 107 matches since their debut at the finals in Ghana in 1963.
The Franco-Malian tactician remains unbeaten in regulation time in 13 competitive matches since taking charge of the Super Eagles, beginning with a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali in March 2025.
Speaking on his Group Phase Coach recognition, Chelle said the honour was a collective achievement.
“I am happy about this recognition, but the credit goes to my backroom staff who work tirelessly to make the team function,” he said.
“This is good motivation for me, the players and the entire squad, but it is not why we are here. We are focused on something bigger and better, and we will continue to work hard match by match.”
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