Eric Chelle is the head coach of the Super Eagles
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has charged Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to reach the finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The 35th edition of the continental showpiece will commence on December 21, 2025, with 24 countries expected to battle it out for the trophy in Morocco.
Nigeria are drawn in Group C against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. The Super Eagles will kick start their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on December 23, 2025.
Few days to the tournament, the leader of Nigeria football has set an audacious target for Eric Chelle, urging the former Mali gaffer to steer the Super Eagles to the finals of the AFCON.
“The mandate given to Eric Chelle is to get to the AFCON final,” he told Eagles FM in an interview.
Besides, Gusau reaffirmed his stance on allowing coaches full control of team affairs, noting that he does not interfere with player selection or team operations.
“I will never instruct a coach on which players to invite. Since becoming NFF president, I have never stayed in the same hotel with the national team because I do not want to be a distraction,” he explained.
Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013 and has since endured mixed fortunes, including a group-stage exit in 2021 and a painful runners-up finish in 2023. Against that backdrop, the NFF’s target reflects both ambition and mounting pressure.
Chelle remains unbeaten since his appointment in January and has already raised eyebrows with bold squad decisions, including new call-ups and notable omissions.
The coach inherits a talented squad led by Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, but expectations from fans remain unforgiving.
