Head coach of Nigeria, Eric Chelle, has defended his decision to hold closed-door training sessions as the Super Eagles gear up for their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 match against the Mambas of Mozambique.
The Super Eagles will lock horns with Mozambique on Monday night at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with both teams seeking for victory to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
For the second time this week, the team will train away from media and public scrutiny on Saturday to ensure focus and preparation.
“If I allow you journalists, media, content creators to always come in and then we lose, you’ll be the same people saying, ‘Eric is crazy, he opens the door every time.’ So everyone should stay calm. I did this to protect my players.”
Nigeria have been impressive at the continental showpiece, securing three straight wins in the group stages and finishing on top of their group.
Chelle and his charges will be hoping to maintain their impressive run when they take on the Mozambique national team.
