Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has brushed aside concerns over the pressure of the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after the Super Eagles ended Group C with a 3–1 win over Uganda in Fez on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The victory sealed a perfect group campaign for Nigeria, who won all three matches to finish top with nine points. The Super Eagles will now face one of Ivory Coast, Cameroon, or Mozambique in the round of 16 on Monday, also in Fez.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Chelle said he was comfortable with the expectations that come with reaching the last 16, noting that pressure has been a constant part of his job since taking charge.
“The round of 16 comes with a lot of pressure, of course, but I like that,” Chelle said. “Since I arrived, there has always been pressure, and I feel good.”
He added that the team’s environment in Fez has helped maintain focus. “The town is perfect, the hotel is perfect, and the atmosphere is perfect,” he said.
Chelle also pointed to a calmer approach on the touchline compared to previous tournaments, emphasising concentration and consistent work.
“We are calm. If you watch the game, I think I am calmer than at the last AFCON. I try to stay focused only on the match. Sometimes my vision is good, sometimes it’s not — that’s football. We work every day, and the players work hard,” he explained.
Despite cold weather conditions, the coach expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s base in Fez and preparations for the knockout round.
“I’m very happy to stay in Fez. The city is calm, the people are very nice to us, and we are focused. Even with the cold weather, we keep working. Today’s game was also an opportunity to try something different,” Chelle said.
While pleased with the group-stage performance, Chelle stressed that improvement remains necessary if Nigeria are to challenge for the title.
“I am happy with the win, but we have to improve again. If we want to be ambitious, we must keep improving,” he said.
Nigeria took the lead in the 28th minute through Paul Onuachu, who finished from close range after sustained pressure and a pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Uganda’s task became harder when Salim Magoola was sent off for handball in the second half, and Nigeria took full advantage as Raphael Onyedika scored twice in the 62nd and 67th minutes, both assisted by Samuel Chukwueze.
Rogers Mato pulled one back for Uganda in the 75th minute, but the Super Eagles comfortably saw out the match to seal the win and end the Cranes’ tournament.
Chelle praised the performance of his rotated squad, highlighting the impact of players who started after sitting out earlier group games.
“The players who didn’t start the previous matches started today, and they gave a very good answer. They scored three goals, and I’m very happy,” he said.
He admitted that the squad’s depth now gives him tough selection decisions ahead of the knockout stage — a challenge he welcomed.
“Now I have a little headache because I have many choices. Everyone can play in this team, and that’s perfect for me,” Chelle concluded.
