Head coach of Nigeria, Eric Chelle has revealed he had a sleepless nights after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nation final.
The Super Eagles’ title ambition hopes dashed on Wednesday after succumbing to a penalty shootouts defeat to Morocco after a pulsating goalless draw in both regular and extra-time.
The West African football heavyweights will now battle it out with Egypt in the third-place match, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Ahead of the Egypt showdown, Chelle has expressed his disappointment missing out on the final, while setting sights on the bronze medal.
“I feel disappointed to be here, and I told the players after the Morocco match that they played a great game and should hold their heads high. The only solution was for me to smile because I want to win the remaining match.”
“Yesterday I only slept 3 hours, because I want to win the match, and after the Africa Cup of Nations we will think about what comes next.”
The Super Eagles have finished third 8 times in the history of the African Cup of Nations, while the Egyptian national team has won the bronze medal 3 times.
The two teams had previously met in the third-place match of the 1976 tournament, which was won by the Moroccan team.
