Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a composed 2–0 win over Algeria, and head coach Chelle wasted no time in praising his players for their discipline, commitment and collective strength.
Speaking after the quarter-final success, the Super Eagles coach underlined the hard work that carried his side into the last four, while also shifting focus to the next challenge against tournament hosts Morocco.
Chelle struck a balanced tone, combining pride in his squad with clear respect for the opposition awaiting them.
“We worked very hard, and I am proud of my players,” Chelle told reporters. “This group continues to show seriousness and focus, and I hope this mindset will carry on.”
Nigeria’s victory over Algeria confirmed their growing authority in the competition, with a performance built on control, defensive solidity and efficiency in key moments.
Chelle credited his players for applying tactical instructions with precision, stressing that success at this stage of the tournament comes from collective effort rather than individual brilliance alone.
Attention now turns to Morocco, a team Chelle described as one of the most structured and consistent sides in African football.
Playing at home brings its own challenges, he noted, but also reflects years of preparation and planning.
“Morocco are a great team,” he said. “Being the host country brings pressure, but there is also a lot of work behind their success.
You can see the organization and the quality they have built over time.”
Chelle also highlighted the influence of Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui, praising his role in shaping a balanced and competitive team.
He pointed to the cohesion within the Atlas Lions’ squad and the clarity of their playing identity as key strengths.
“Their coach is very good, and they have good players,” Chelle added. “They play with confidence and structure, and that comes from strong leadership.”
When asked about frequent comparisons between national team coaches, Chelle offered a broader reflection on the demands of the role.
He stressed that managing a national side requires constant adaptation, patience and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
“People often compare coaches, but you have to understand the pressure of this job,” he said. “Managing a national team is never simple.”
Looking ahead to the semi-final, Chelle kept his message clear and sportsmanlike.
e expressed a desire for a high-quality contest that reflects the stature of both teams.
“All I hope for is a great match,” he concluded. “The best team will win.”
