'Do closed-door training' – Nigerians beg Chelle to shut media out

Hassan Abdulsalam 07:18 - 06 January 2026

Nigerian football fans urge Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to continue closed-door training sessions at AFCON 2025.

Following Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles supporters have thrown their weight behind head coach Eric Chelle’s decision to hold closed-door training sessions.

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Victor Osimhen had an on-field spat with Ademola Lookman.

Victor Osimhen scored twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also got on the scoresheet to seal a comfortable win and secure Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria dismantle Mozambique to book a quarterfinal spot! 🇳🇬🔥#PulseSportsAFCON25 #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/bYAWZHpSoY
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) January 5, 2026

Earlier, media personnel were barred from Super Eagles training for three days, and Chelle revealed that this move is essential for maintaining player focus as the Super Eagles prepare rigorously.

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“My job is not just to cut off the national team from the media. But now I am not on holiday. I have to take care of players and work,” Chelle explained.

What Fans said

Across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), fans have openly appealed to the Malian tactician to keep journalists, content creators, and non-essential personnel away from the team’s camp to protect focus, discipline, and tactical secrecy.

One of the most viral reactions came from sports commentator Odogwu (@sportsdokitor), who wrote, “Eric Chelle if you want to do close door training throughout the tournament, please go ahead!!!!!!!!”

Eric Chelle if you want to do close door training throughout the tournament, please go ahead!!!!!!!!
— SportsDokitor (Odogwu👆) (@sportsdokitor) January 5, 2026

🇳🇬 Eric Chelle dey do your closed training sessions dey go. Nothing do you, baba mi. 🙌🏾#NGAMOZ #AFCON2025 #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/8ziht2MM6X
— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) January 5, 2026

Baba Chelle, lock that training gate tighter than Lagos traffic! Make those content creators dey beg from outside abeg 🙏 No leak tactics give enemy, just carry cup come house! 💥🎉🇳🇬 #SoarSuperEagles"
— Fredrick borniface (@FBorniface) January 5, 2026

Eric Chelle should continue this closed door training please
— Grandy 🔌 (@urgrandy) January 5, 2026

Eric Chelle that close door training should continue please, no allow those content creators near our players for now
— wtf🦅 (@diclip_e) January 5, 2026

Ahswear... The way play now just dey sweet me.

Breaking defense with passes, zero long balls or forced passes, winning 4-0 and still making runs till 90mins, our midfielders are always looking for the next forward pass.

Closed training o, cage training... Just continue abeg
— Trauma (@Okun_ola_) January 5, 2026