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Super Eagles: ‘Eric Chelle Is Not Going Anywhere’ – NSC Director General Confirms

Director-General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has dismissed any possibility of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle leaving his position or Nigeria, despite interest from Tunisia, Gabon, and Angola.

Chelle has attracted interest from the aforementioned countries after guiding Nigeria to win Bronze at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The Malian has less than a year remaining on his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation.

However, Olopade has now insisted that Chelle is not leaving Nigeria because the countries interested in him don’t have top players that will make his job easy.

“Eric Chelle is not going anywhere. The countries claiming interest in him don’t have the kind of superstars that make his job easier.

“We must not forget that Eric thrived because he had the right equipment and instruments—the quality personnel he used to execute his ideas.

“I had dinner with him two days ago at my house in Abuja. I’m not the NFF President, but we operate with a collaborative approach, and Eric Chelle has become both a brother and a friend.

“That same night, I called the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday, we’ll all sit down together,” Olopade told Footy-Africa.

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AFCON 2025: Celebrating Bronze Medal Builds Culture Of Mediocrity – Oliseh Speaks On Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has expressed concerns that the team’s celebration of their third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON may promote a culture of mediocrity.

Oliseh’s comments came after he witnessed mockery from both African and European pundits as Nigeria celebrated their win against Egypt in the bronze medal playoff held in Morocco last weekend.

The Super Eagles secured their ninth bronze medal in the tournament’s history by triumphing 4-2 in a penalty shootout against the Pharaohs.

“Before the AFCON final in Rabat, a video went viral of our superheroes [Super Eagles players] celebrating widely for winning third place against Egypt,” Oliseh stated on the Global Football Insight Podcast.

“From my seat in the media tribune, I watched as African and European pundits mocked us. They could not believe it.

“There was a time when the Super Eagles shed tears after finishing second place at the AFCON. Because to us, anything but the trophy was a failure. Celebrating third place builds a culture of mediocrity.”

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Super Eagles: ‘Don’t Let Him Go’ – Frank Onyeka Begs NFF Over Chelle

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain head coach Eric Chelle.

Onyeka praised Chelle’s character and ability, insisting that many players within the Super Eagles have a strong affection for him.

Chelle’s current contract with the NFF  will expire in January 2027 after he signed a midway in his two-year contract with the federation.

“When Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles, you could see his game plan and tactics,” Onyeka told Oma Akatugba.

“He’s a good and a lovely man, someone you feel comfortable around.

“He is very open-minded and offers everyone the opportunity they deserve.

“A lot of the Super Eagles players love him so much. Don’t let him go.”

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Victor Osimhen Reveals Two Nigerian Players He Spoke With To Join Galatasaray

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has revealed the two Nigerian players he contacted about joining the Turkish Super Lig champions amid the ongoing January transfer window.

Osimhen wants his Super Eagles teammates Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika to consider making the move to Galatasaray this year amid the ongoing January transfer window.

“I spoke with [Raphael Onyedika] and [Ademola] Lookman. I explained Galatasaray and Turkey to them in detail, how wonderful a club Galatasaray is, how beautiful a country Turkey is,” Osimhen said as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.

“It would be very good for our club, for the players, and for our fans if they came.

“I’m trying to convince both of them. I’d love for them to come to one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Onyedika currently plays his club football for Club Brugge, while Lookman plays for Atalanta.

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Super Eagles Of Nigeria Climb 12 Places To 26th In Latest FIFA Ranking After 2025 AFCON

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed 12 spots to 26th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, as released on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The rise,  from 38th to 26th follows Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Eagles secured a third-place finish and claimed the bronze medal.

The impressive showing included six wins in seven matches, with the only defeat coming against hosts Morocco in a tight semifinal decided by penalties.

Nigeria is now the third-best team in Africa, behind AFCON finalists Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco, placed eighth in the world.

Algeria and Egypt, both eliminated by Nigeria at the tournament, occupy fourth and fifth positions respectively on the African ranking.

Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia make up the world’s top 10 teams.

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NFF Confirms Eric Chelle Will Remain As Super Eagles Coach After 2025 AFCON

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has confirmed that Eric Chelle will remain as head coach after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

NFF had set a target of getting to the final and winning the trophy for Chelle, but he fell short of this, losing to Morocco in the semi-final and winning the bronze medal instead.

Speaking after the tournament, Gusau stated that the national team displayed notable progress under Chelle and affirmed that the federation is committed to working with the coach as Nigeria aims to build on the performance.

“The team is close to running on autopilot and will definitely achieve a lot of success under the present technical crew,” Gusau said via NFF, reflecting on Nigeria’s campaign.

“The NFF is proud of the team’s performance and will continue to do its best to encourage, support, and motivate the team as we go forward.

“As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr Chelle has done exceedingly well within the one year he has been with us. He has shown enormous capacity, and we will continue to work with him.”

Nigeria finished third at the tournament after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the bronze medal, following a goalless draw in regulation time at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Get Special Bonus For Third Place

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to earn $15,000 for securing third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The bonus was initially meant for the semi-final where they lost 4-2 on penalities to hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco.

The players have received all their win-bonus except for the third- place match, according to SCORENigeria.

Wealthy businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu has also  redeemed his pledge of $500,000 to the team.

The players have already dispersed to their respective clubs.

They failed to attend the medal presentation ceremony on Sunday.

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Senegal beat Morocco to claim dramatic AFCON 2025 title

Senegal secured the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) trophy after a dramatic 1-0 win over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Sunday.

Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike proved decisive, giving the Teranga Lions their second continental crown.

Late drama and key saves

The match remained goalless through 90 minutes, with Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy denying Morocco from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt was easily saved, sending the final into extra time amid chaotic scenes as Senegal fans attempted to storm the pitch.

Mane praised as Senegal beat Morocco to claim dramatic AFCON 2025 title
Senegal beat Morocco to AFCON 2025 title – Getty image

Riot police intervened, but the Teranga Lions regrouped to take the decisive moment in extra time.

Gueye secures victory

Minutes into extra time, Senegal countered swiftly, with Gueye finishing a fine move into the top corner to break the deadlock.

Morocco pressed for an equaliser but were repeatedly denied, with Bounou making key saves and the woodwork coming to the Teranga Lions’ aid.

Balanced contest despite absences

Senegal managed the win despite missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielder Habib Diarra, and right-back Krepin Diatta.

The Teranga Lions had early chances, including Pape Gueye heading over after a Lamine Camara delivery and Nicolas Jackson setting up Amadou Ndiaye, whose effort was saved.

Morocco also created opportunities, with Abde Ezzalzouli, Ismael Saibari, and Ayoub El Kaabi testing Senegal’s defence throughout the match.

The final was a tense, highly competitive affair, highlighted by physical clashes and close-range opportunities. The Atlas Lions’ hopes of winning on home soil were dashed, despite dominant periods and a late penalty opportunity.

Senegal’s resilience under pressure and clinical finishing in extra time earned them the title, while Morocco were left to rue missed chances in front of their home supporters.

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Chelle relieved with Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bronze

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle admitted defeat in the third-place match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations would have been difficult to accept, but expressed pride after the Super Eagles claimed the bronze medal.

Nigeria finished third after edging their opponents to cap a campaign that fell short of the title but provided encouragement for the future.

Speaking after the match, Chelle said the result eased the emotional weight of the tournament and validated the effort of his players.

“It would have been very difficult for me to accept if we had lost this game,” Chelle said. “My players gave everything during this AFCON, and I am very proud to be their coach.”

Chelle relieved with Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bronze

Chelle relieved after Super Eagles win over Egypt for AFCON 2025 bronze – Getty image

Tactical choices and game management

Chelle revealed he deliberately adjusted his system for the third-place match, starting with a flat 4-4-2 rather than his preferred diamond midfield.

According to the coach, the change was part of a broader tactical test rather than a reaction to pressure.

“I wanted to bring the game wide first, then inside,” he explained. “The players are more comfortable in the diamond, so the first half was difficult. In the second half we kept the ball better, and for me, we deserved this victory.”

He also defended his in-game decisions, including substitutions that drew criticism from some supporters.

“If I do something that looks crazy, there is always a reason,” Chelle said, stressing that each decision was made with long-term development in mind.

Focus on players and future planning

The coach praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose place in the squad had been questioned before the tournament, crediting trust and preparation for his performances.

“We prepared Stanley like every other player,” Chelle said. “He is strong, sometimes nervous, but he would go to war for his teammates. He deserves this victory.”

Chelle also addressed questions over squad rotation and the limited involvement of younger players, insisting caution was necessary in high-pressure situations.

“You cannot just throw young players into pressure situations,” he said. “They must prove readiness every day in training.”

Despite missing out on the title, Chelle believes the tournament laid a foundation for progress.

“I am happy with third place, even though I wanted to bring the trophy to Nigeria,” he said. “Our mission now is the next AFCON. We want to build something ambitious.”

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Super Eagles Stars, Osimhen, Ndidi, Awaziem Party In Lagos After AFCON Third-Place Win (Video)

Super Eagles players Victor Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi, and defender Chidozie Awaziem were seen at a Lagos nightclub on Sunday, just hours after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In the early hours of Sunday, social media personality and socialite Babatunde Akinpelu, popularly known as Tunde Perry, shared a video of himself with the Galatasaray striker, with Ndidi and Awaziem visible in the background at a Lagos club.

The outing was reportedly part of Perry’s birthday celebration.

“Kai from Morocco Victor,”
Perry captioned the video, accompanied by some of his popular slang: “Otorpinpin paaaaaa DATieeeee Mo,” meaning “know your squad.”
“8 am on Sunday, on my birthday”, Perry also said while filming himself and Osimhen.

The Galatasaray striker was also given a ceremonious welcome inside the club.

Recall that Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties on Saturday in Casablanca after regular time ended goalless, claiming a record ninth bronze medal in the history of the competition.

 

The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs faced off in the third-place playoff after both sides fell short in the semi-finals. Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco last Wednesday, while Egypt were edged 1–0 by Senegal.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero for Nigeria, saving two spot kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. At the same time, Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman all converted their penalties to seal the win.

Osimhen, who did not feature in the third-place match, was earlier spotted leaving the Stade Mohammed V with his bags on Saturday, moments after taking part in the dressing-room celebrations with his teammates.

Osimhen played five matches for Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Captain Ndidi featured in every one of Nigeria’s matches except the final group game against Uganda. He appeared to sustain an injury during the quarter-final clash against Algeria, while Awaziem came on as a substitute in four matches during the tournament.

Some of their teammates, including Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, have also left Morocco, while others are expected to be part of the medal presentation during Sunday’s final.

Hosts Morocco and Senegal will trade tackles in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match will kick off at 8:00 pm.