Dikko Says AFCON Glory Key To Place Chelle In Nigerian Football History

Dikko Says AFCON Glory Key To Place Chelle In Nigerian Football History 

By Niyi Busari 

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has said that winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the decisive achievement Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle must attain to secure a lasting legacy in Nigerian football history, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria’s senior national team will face Mozambique in the second round of the tournament on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Fez Stadium in Morocco. Although the Super Eagles approach the encounter as three-time African champions, buoyed by superior form, statistics and pedigree, Dikko has warned against complacency.

Speaking to BSN Sports in Rabat on Sunday, Dikko commended Chelle for the team’s performances so far, describing Nigeria’s group-stage showing as evidence of clear tactical progress under the Franco-Malian coach.

“Chelle has done well up to this point,” Dikko said. “Nigeria was one of only two teams that won all three group-stage matches.”

He further highlighted the team’s balanced attacking output as a major strength during the tournament.

“We have seen goals coming from all departments; defence, midfield and attack. That shows the team is well organised and confident in this competition,” he added.

Dikko also pointed to Chelle’s recognition by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which named him Best Coach of the First Round, as validation of his impact.

“So far, Eric Chelle has done well, and that is why CAF named him Best Coach of the First Round. I hope he goes on to win Best Coach of the Tournament,” he said.

However, the National Sports Commission chairman stressed that individual honours are ultimately tied to collective success. He recalled Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, noting that the next step must be outright victory.

“Nigeria finished second at the last tournament, so to do something truly special this time, the team must win the trophy,” Dikko said.

“The only way to emerge as Best Coach of the Tournament is to win the AFCON. That is what will permanently etch his name into the history of Nigerian football,” he concluded.