Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has admitted he is under pressure to deliver success with Nigeria but insists the team remains fully focused on the task ahead, dismissing comparisons with the country’s disappointing exit at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Chelle revealed that the pressure has been constant since he took charge of the Super Eagles in 2025. 

However, the Malian tactician stressed that it does not stem from targets set by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but rather from the ambition and determination within the squad.

“Since I took this job I have been under pressure. This is not a question about the NFF, this is a question about the official, the group, and me,” he said. 

“Game after game we want to be ambitious. We are thinking about the next game.”

Despite acknowledging the pressure, Chelle said the squad is calm, united and determined to secure victory against Mozambique in their next fixture.

“We want to win the next game. If God gives us the chance to go to the quarterfinal, we will think about the quarterfinal,” he added. 

“But now we think about this game against Mozambique and for sure we want to win this game. To answer your question, yeah we are under pressure.”

Nigeria have already impressed in the group stage, sparking memories of the 2021 AFCON where the Super Eagles won all their group matches before suffering a shock Round of 16 exit. 

Chelle, however, made it clear that past disappointments are not a concern for his team.

“I don't focus on what happened before. Like I said every time, we are focused on what happens day after day,” he said. 

“We are focused on our training session, we are focused on the life of the group, we are focused on the players' behaviour, and we are focused on us.”

He concluded by reiterating that preparation remains the team’s top priority. 

“We are playing together. Once again the most important thing is the training session tonight and after the game tomorrow.”

At the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, Nigeria topped their group with maximum points but were eliminated after a 1–0 defeat to Tunisia in the Round of 16. 

Chelle and his players are now hoping to avoid a repeat and convert their strong group-stage form into a deeper run in the tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale