Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to restrict media access to the Super Eagles camp at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For three consecutive days, journalists and media professionals have been denied access to team training sessions, while interviews with players and coaching staff have been suspended.
The decision has sparked debate, but Chelle offered clarity during his pre-match press conference.
“If I allow you journalists, media, content creators to always come in and then we lose, you’ll be the same people saying, ‘Eric is crazy, he opens the door every time,’ Chelle said.
“So everyone should stay calm. I did this to protect my players.”
The Super Eagles head into the knockout phase in confident mood after an outstanding group-stage campaign, winning all three matches to finish with a perfect nine points.
Eric Chelle in training with the Super Eagles. Photo Credit: Imago
The run earned Chelle the Coach of the Group Phase award, while winger Ademola Lookman was also recognised after contributing two goals and two assists.
Nigeria’s group-stage performances further added to their rich AFCON history, with the Super Eagles now boasting 152 goals in 107 matches at the tournament since making their debut at the finals in Ghana in 1963.
Chelle remains unbeaten in regulation time in 13 competitive matches since taking charge.
Photo Credit: NFF Comms
Under his watch, Nigeria have suffered only two defeats: a World Cup penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in Rabat and a 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt in Cairo last month.
“I am happy about this recognition, but I want to give credit to my backroom staff who work tirelessly to make the team function,” he said. “This is good motivation for me, the players and the entire squad. However, this is not why we are here.”
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Photo Credit: Getty Images
Chelle has repeatedly stressed the importance of mentality over reputation as the competition enters its decisive phase, urging his players to remain grounded.
“We are here for something bigger and better. We will not get ahead of ourselves or think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused on every match as it comes.”
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The timing of the media freeze is significant. Following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, AFCON has taken on added importance as a platform to rebuild national confidence and reconnect with supporters.
