Nigeria Football Federation, President, Ibrahim, Musa Gusau, has expressed optimism about the Super Eagles’ trajectory under coach Eric Chelle, following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations.
Reflecting on the tournament, Gusau highlighted the team’s determination and resilience after the disappointment of missing consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances.
“Our objective was to win the AFCON trophy and be champions of Africa. We finished in third place instead, but my joy is in the way our team played,with zest, patriotic fervour, resilience and character,” Gusau stated. He also lauded the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their unwavering support of Nigerian football.
Since taking over in January 2025, Chelle has guided the Super Eagles through 17 competitive matches without defeat, securing 11 wins and six draws. Nigeria’s campaign at the Morocco AFCON was especially notable, as the team scored a record 14 goals and remained unbeaten in regulation time across seven matches.
The Eagles impressed against Africa’s elite sides, including Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt, while also claiming victories over Tanzania and Uganda.
Their bronze medal in Casablanca marked Nigeria’s 17th podium finish in 21 AFCON appearances.
Gusau praised Chelle for his influence, saying the coach has “shown enormous capacity” in his first year. He added that preparations for the next AFCON, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will kick off in March.
“The future looks very bright,” Gusau noted, pointing out that several key players missed the Morocco tournament due to injury but are expected to return.
Nigeria’s AFCON history includes titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, with goal totals of 8, 9, and 11 respectively. The 14 goals scored in Morocco set a new record for the nation in the competition.
ERIC CHELLE’S SUPER EAGLES DIARY
21 Mar 2025: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Kigali)
25 Mar 2025: Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
28 May 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana (Unity Cup: London)
31 May 2025: Jamaica 2-2 Nigeria (Unity Cup: London) — Nigeria win 5-4 on penalties to retain the trophy
06 Jun 2025: Russia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Moscow)
06 Sep 2025: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
09 Sep 2025: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Bloemfontein)
10 Oct 2025: Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Polokwane)
14 Oct 2025: Nigeria 4-0 Bénin Republic (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
13 Nov 2025: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)
16 Nov 2025: DR Congo 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat) — DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties
16 Dec 2025: Egypt 2-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Cairo)
23 Dec 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
27 Dec 2025: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
30 Dec 2025: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
05 Jan 2026: Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
10 Jan 2026: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria (AFCON: Marrakech, Morocco)
14 Jan 2026: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (AFCON semi: Rabat, Morocco) — Morocco win 4-2 on penalties
17 Jan 2026: Egypt 0-0 Nigeria (AFCON third place: Casablanca, Morocco) — Nigeria win 4-2 on penalties
