Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has called on his players to block out all outside noise and remain fully focused on their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, insisting that external criticism and past disappointments must not distract the Super Eagles from their immediate task.
Speaking ahead of their Group C opener, Chelle stressed that mental discipline and concentration would be decisive as Nigeria begin their pursuit of continental success.
The Super Eagles open their tournament against Tanzania on Tuesday, with attention inevitably drawn to their recent failure to qualify for next year’s World Cup following a playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in November.
Chelle, however, was clear that the AFCON represents a fresh challenge and a separate objective, one he wants his players to approach with ambition and clarity.
“We prefer to stay focused at all times. I told the players to concentrate on themselves and on our development project. This is the most important thing we have,” Chelle told journalists.
“We are our first opponent, we need to focus on ourselves and take out outside noise. Of course, the World Cup miss is painful.
“We are here to win this first game. We have a tournament to play and we are here to be ambitious. I don’t have time to think about what happened before. I prefer to stay focused on what is happening right now.”
Nigeria arrive at the tournament dealing with defensive concerns after injuries and the pre-tournament retirement of experienced centre-back William Troost-Ekong.
Despite those challenges, Chelle expressed confidence in the depth and character of his squad, maintaining that adaptability and collective responsibility would compensate for any individual absences.
The Malian coach, who took charge with a mandate to guide Nigeria through a transition phase, views the tournament as an opportunity to reinforce identity and belief.
As runners-up at the 2023 Nations Cup, expectations remain high, but Chelle has sought to frame the campaign as one defined by process rather than pressure.
After facing Tanzania, Nigeria will continue their Group C schedule against Tunisia on December 27 before closing the group stage against Uganda three days later.
