“I’m out for revenge” – Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle sets AFCON title target for Nigeria

Chelle, who was appointed as Nigeria’s head coach earlier this month, outlined his team’s determination to secure the continental title after a painful defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in the 2023 AFCON final.

Nigeria secured qualification for this December’s tournament before Chelle’s arrival earlier this month, and will target a fourth continental title in Morocco.

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Like Nigeria, Eric Chelle also has personal unfinished business at the AFCON.

The former Lens star was present at the last edition in Ivory Coast, where he led Mali to the quarterfinals in what was widely considered one of the most impressive performances by any team.

The Eagles of Mali played dynamic, attacking football and looked on course for a historic semi-final spot after leading against hosts Ivory Coast. However, despite having a numerical advantage after the Elephants went down to ten men, Mali suffered a heartbreaking comeback defeat in extra time.

Nigeria, then managed by José Peseiro, also fell victim to Ivory Coast’s resilience. After battling past Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa in the knockout rounds, the Super Eagles took the lead in the final, only for the hosts to once again produce a dramatic turnaround and deny Nigeria a fourth AFCON crown.

Now at the helm of Nigeria’s squad, Chelle believes the pain of those defeats will fuel the Super Eagles’ title ambitions.

The 46-year-old admits the road to glory will be tough but insisted that both he and the team are determined to claim African football’s biggest prize.

“Yes, it’s going to be difficult to win because there are 24 very good teams and some very good coaches,” Eric Chelle told CAFonline.

“I know I’ve got a team that’s out for revenge, and I’m out for revenge too, so we’re going to have a lot of fun.
“We are out for revenge. We know what this team is capable of, and our goal is clear—to lift the trophy in Morocco.”

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Nigeria, with three AFCON titles remain among the tournament favourites. The Super Eagles boast a squad brimming with talent, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface among others.

With Morocco set to host the AFCON for the first time since 1988, excitement is already building ahead of the tournament, which will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six Moroccan cities.