AFCON 2025: Chelle Reveals What Would Have Happened To His Career If Nigeria Lost To Egypt

AFCON 2025: Chelle Reveals What Would Have Happened To His Career If Nigeria Lost To Egypt

Sampson Adedeji

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has disclosed that his coaching career could have come to an abrupt end if Nigeria had failed to overcome Egypt in the third-place match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria secured the bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw at the end of regulation time, a result that brought relief to the technical crew and players after a demanding tournament.

Speaking after the encounter, Chelle admitted that the pressure surrounding the match was immense, revealing that a negative outcome would have had serious personal and professional consequences.

“If we hadn’t finished third at that AFCON, I might have ended my coaching career,” Chelle said. “It would have been very hard for me to continue coaching.”

The victory over Egypt not only ensured a podium finish for the Super Eagles but also helped restore confidence in Chelle’s project, with the coach now looking ahead to building on the positives from the tournament as Nigeria prepare for future international assignments.