Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained his decision to restrict media access to the team’s camp at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the move is aimed at keeping the players focused as the tournament enters its decisive stage.

Journalists and media professionals have been barred from training sessions for three consecutive days, while interviews with players and coaching staff have also been suspended, a situation that has sparked debate around the Super Eagles camp, Footballrover reports.

Super Eagles camp lockdown explained by Eric Chelle

Chelle addressed the issue during his pre-match press conference, making it clear that the decision was taken in the best interest of the Super Eagles.

“If I allow you journalists, media, content creators to always come in and then we lose, you’ll be the same people saying, ‘Eric is crazy, he opens the door every time,’ Chelle said.

“So everyone should stay calm. I did this to protect my players.”

The Super Eagles head into the AFCON knockout phase in confident mood after a flawless group-stage campaign, winning all three matches to finish with a perfect nine points.

Super Eagles momentum grows after perfect AFCON group stage

Nigeria’s impressive run earned Chelle the Coach of the Group Phase award, while winger Ademola Lookman also received recognition after registering two goals and two assists.

The Super Eagles’ group-stage showing further boosted their rich AFCON history, with Nigeria now recording 152 goals in 107 matches at the tournament since making their debut at the finals in Ghana in 1963.

Chelle has also enjoyed a strong start to life with the Super Eagles, remaining unbeaten in regulation time across 13 competitive matches since taking charge.

Under his watch, Nigeria have suffered just two defeats: a World Cup penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in Rabat and a 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt in Cairo last month.

Despite the individual honours, Chelle played down personal recognition, stressing that the success belongs to the entire backroom staff and squad.

He added that the award serves as motivation for everyone involved, not a distraction from the bigger goal.

As the Super Eagles prepare for the knockout rounds, Chelle continues to emphasise mindset over past achievements, urging his players to stay grounded.

“We are here for something bigger and better. We will not get ahead of ourselves or think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused on every match as it comes.”

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Last Updated on January 4, 2026 6:48 pm by footballrover