We are not thinking of winning AFCON - Super Eagles coach sends message to Nigerians

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has brushed aside growing speculation about an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title triumph.

Chelle insisted that his team’s full attention is fixed on their quarter-final encounter against Algeria.

With Nigeria emerging as one of the standout teams of AFCON 2025, many observers have tipped them as potential champions.

However, Chelle remains adamant that his side must stay grounded as they prepare for the crucial clash in Marrakech.

“I prefer to stay focused now on Marrakech,” Chelle told Yahoo Sports.

He added, “There is a game to play, and after the game, we can think about our accommodation. But now we go to Marrakech, and the story starts in Marrakech.”

Nigeria has enjoyed a dominant run at the tournament so far, winning all three of its group-stage matches while scoring eight goals and conceding just three.

Their impressive form continued in the round of 16, where they recorded a convincing 4–0 victory over Mozambique.

Despite the external praise, Chelle is determined to keep his players focused on the immediate task at hand, overcoming a strong Algerian side in the quarter-finals.

“We have to stay focused on Marrakech, the training sessions, and the next game,” he emphasised.