AFCON 2025: Moroccan Coach Beats Chelle To Coach Of The Tournament Award

AFCON 2025: Moroccan Coach Beats Chelle To Coach Of The Tournament Award

Sampson Adedeji

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has been named Coach of the Tournament at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite the Atlas Lions’ defeat to Senegal in the final, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Regragui edged Nigeria’s Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle to clinch the prestigious individual honour following Morocco’s impressive run throughout the competition.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Technical Study Group cited Regragui’s tactical discipline, consistency, and overall team organisation as key factors behind the decision. 

Morocco were widely praised for their structured approach, defensive solidity, and intelligent game management from the group stage through to the final.

Under Regragui’s guidance, the Atlas Lions recorded several convincing performances en route to the final, eliminating top contenders and conceding few goals across the tournament.

Chelle, who led Nigeria to a strong AFCON 2025 campaign, was also highly rated for his impact with the Super Eagles, but ultimately finished second in the race for the coaching accolade.

Regragui’s award further cements his status as one of Africa’s elite coaches, adding another milestone to his growing managerial résumé despite falling short of lifting the AFCON trophy.