Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle reveals biggest regret from CHAN 2024 as he sets sights on rebuilding for the future
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Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle reveals biggest CHAN 2024 regret, eyes fresh start. (Photo Credit: Pulse Sports collage)

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle reveals biggest regret from CHAN 2024 as he sets sights on rebuilding for the future

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 11:03 - 21.08.2025

Eric Chelle has admitted his biggest regret from Nigeria’s disastrous CHAN 2024 campaign, while stressing his plans to rebuild the Super Eagles for the future.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has opened up on his biggest regret following Nigeria’s disastrous CHAN 2024 campaign, while vowing to learn from the painful experience and focus on rebuilding the team for a brighter future.

Speaking to CAF, the French coach  reflected on the tournament nightmare but took pride in the spirit shown by his players in their final outing. 

The Franco-Malian watched as the Super Eagles bounced back from defeats to Senegal and Sudan to leave the competition on a high against Congo in their final group match.

Despite Nigeria’s early elimination, Chelle emphasised the significance of their 2-0 victory against Congo, which, according to him, went beyond just the result.

Eric Chelle admitted Nigeria's Super Eagles were not mentally prepared for CHAN 2024.
Eric Chelle admitted Nigeria's Super Eagles were not mentally prepared for CHAN 2024.

“I don’t think my cubs let me down,” Chelle told CAFOnline with conviction. “The pressure was high on these young players, and at times they played scared. But during the last match against Congo, they played for honour, and that’s why they performed well.”

He added, “Letdown doesn’t come from winning this match. Our players responded to the previous results and said they didn’t want to go home with zero points.”

Nigeria's Super Eagles B team have ended their CHAN campaign with a consolation 2-0 win against Congo.
Nigeria's Super Eagles B team have ended their CHAN campaign with a consolation 2-0 win against Congo.

This resilience, Chelle believes, will be the foundation upon which the squad can grow, recover, and become stronger. 

The coach admitted that the heaviest blow came from their heavy defeat to Sudan an encounter that still weighs on him heavily.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria will analyse CHAN 2024 and use it for the future.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria will analyse CHAN 2024 and use it for the future.

“Our deep regret stems from our heavy defeat to Sudan, but that’s football,” he acknowledged. “We will carefully analyse the Sudan match to make up for what happened in the future.”

With this admission, Chelle signals a determined rebuilding mission ahead as the Super Eagles look to regain their stature in African football following a sobering CHAN 2024 campaign.