Super Eagles coach Eric Sékou Chelle has made a surprising revelation that he’s shifting his focus away from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite Nigeria’s recent draw in the tournament.
With the AFCON draw setting up a challenging group for Nigeria, the French coach insists that his top priority lies elsewhere, footballrover reports.
So, what’s really driving Chelle’s decisions for the Super Eagles?
Super Eagles coach shifts attention to 2025 AFCON later
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations draw, held in Rabat, Morocco, saw Nigeria placed in Group C alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia.
While the Super Eagles aim to excel under Chelle’s leadership, the coach is prioritising the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle, who previously guided Mali to a quarterfinal finish in the 2021 AFCON, is not rushing into AFCON preparation yet.
2025 AFCON is on the horizon, but World Cup comes first
Despite securing a place in the 2025 AFCON after topping Group D in the qualifiers, Chelle is laser-focused on getting Nigeria back on track in the World Cup qualifiers.
“There is no little team in AFCON; you need to be focused. I’m focused on my players, the team, and March. We need to be focused on the World Cup qualifiers, and after that, in October, we really can think about the AFCON. Now, we need to win two games in March,” Eric told the Super Eagles media.
After a shaky start, with poor results from their first four games, the Super Eagles must secure critical points in March 2025 when they face Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The coach remains adamant that the 2025 AFCON will not be a priority until after the World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle wants to restore the Super Eagles’ momentum, starting with the March fixtures, before turning his attention to Nigeria’s continental ambitions.
“No, I’m focused on the World Cup qualifiers. This is a draw; there are four teams in each group, and anyone in the AFCON can win the tournament. Now, I need to watch my players, work with them, and stay focused on the two games in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, and after that, we will see in October for the AFCON. For now, let’s focus on March, please,” the Super Eagles coach concluded.
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