Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle said Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was the product of steady improvement and a growing understanding of his ideas, after the Super Eagles sealed a place in the semi-finals.
Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams ended Algerian hopes and confirmed a last-four meeting with hosts Morocco, as Nigeria continued their strong run at AFCON 2025.
Chelle said the progress shown against Algeria was not sudden, but the result of consistent work on the training ground.
“Against Gabon, it was the same, but now they have improved, they understand more because we have had a lot of training sessions and a lot of games.”
Super Eagles gaffer Chelle is the only coach at AFCON 2025 to have won all his 5 games. Photo Credit: Making of Champions
The coach also revisited criticism he faced earlier in his tenure, particularly after a previous defeat in which tactical decisions were questioned.
“After the game against DR Congo everybody said we lost because of substitutions,” Chelle said. “But I said no, we lost because we were tired, and people laughed.”
He insisted that while his system has been adjusted at times, the overall football philosophy has remained unchanged since his first match in charge.
“When we played Zimbabwe in my first game, we used a 4-4-2 diamond with the same game project,” he said. “Maybe I changed my system for two or three games, but if you watch all the matches, you will see it is the same project.”
Chelle is coaching at his second AFCON and has now surpassed his best finish which was the quarter final with Mali at AFCON 2023. Photo Credit: Making of Champions
According to Chelle, the difference now is clarity and execution.
“They improved everything because they know what I want, they know what the staff want.”
Nigeria dominated Algeria after the break, limiting a traditionally dangerous side to no shots on target and controlling the tempo until the final whistle.
“My players were very happy in the locker room,” Chelle added. “It was a great game. We played well and I am very proud of them.”
Adams celebrating at full time.Photo Credit: CAF
Despite the win and progression to the semi-finals, Chelle was keen to stress that the job is far from finished.
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“I worked a lot since I took this job and I deserve this victory, but this is only one game. If you want to stay ambitious, you have to work again because we have a big game in a few days.”
Nigeria will face hosts Morocco next in the semi-finals, with Chelle emphasising preparation over celebration.
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“Every game has a story, we work on it every day, every training session. There is always a game plan, and we continue from today.”
