CHAN 2025: Nigeria Takes on Congo in Battle for Pride

Coach Eric Chelle

Nigeria already eliminated from the tournament, Nigeria will look to end their campaign on a high note. Coach Eric Chelle has expressed frustration over the team's performance but is determined to lift the team's morale and show their positive side.

“The two defeats affected us, but we must bounce back...”

Eric Chelle, the head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, has taken full responsibility for the team's disappointing campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The team failed to live up to expectations, crashing out of the tournament after two matches with a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Sudan. Chelle admitted that the outcome fell short of expectations, citing mistakes as the reason for the loss.

Chelle's Reaction:

“We made a lot of mistakes… 4 mistakes, 4 goals,” Chelle said, underscoring the team's lack of readiness on the day.

“We have lost all ambition. The CHAN is over for us. We have a third match to play for our honour and respect,” he added.

Despite the setback, Chelle is targeting redemption in the final group match against Congo. The match is more about pride and showing the team's positive side, according to Chelle. Nigeria will aim to demonstrate the quality inherent in the domestic league, regardless of their position in the tournament standings.

One last dance at #CHAN2024.

We give it everything tonight against Congo.

Thank you to our incredible fans for standing with us all through the journey💚!

🆚 Congo
⏰ 6:00pm (NGA)
🏟️ Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium
📺 Live on CAF Broadcast Partners#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/3XmVfjKmvs

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) August 19, 2025

What's Next for Nigeria:

• The team faces Congo in their last Group D match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

• The match is a battle for pride as they aim to finish their campaign strongly.

• Chelle will look to make small tactical changes to boost the team's morale and performance.

Nigeria's journey in the African Nations Championship ended abruptly after just two games, with disappointing losses to Senegal and Sudan. They first fell 1-0 to defending champions Senegal, with Alfred Gomis scoring the decisive goal. Sudan then thrashed Nigeria 4-0, with Abdel Raouf Yagoub netting twice after Leonard Ngenge's own goal and Walieldin Khidir's penalty gave Sudan a commanding lead. This loss not only ended Nigeria's campaign but also marked a significant upset, as Sudan topped Group D while Nigeria was eliminated with zero points.

The losses exposed Nigeria's vulnerabilities, particularly in defense, and highlighted areas for improvement under coach Eric Chelle.

Nigeria's Super Eagles have been eliminated from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a disappointing campaign. The team's head coach, Eric Chelle, has taken full responsibility for the team's failure to advance, acknowledging that their performance fell short of expectations.

“We made a lot of mistakes… 4 mistakes, 4 goals,” Chelle said, referencing the 4-0 loss to Sudan that sealed their exit. Despite this setback, Chelle is focused on lifting the team's morale and ensuring they bounce back stronger in their final group match against Congo.

“Of course, I take responsibility as coach. But now it’s about lifting morale. We must return home with something positive,” Chelle told the media. This match is an opportunity for the team to restore some pride and show the quality of Nigerian football. The game against Congo is scheduled for 6 pm WAT on August 19, 2025.

Nigeria's Super Eagles are looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign at the African Nations Championship. After losing key players to overseas transfers just before the tournament, the squad struggled to find balance, leading to disappointing losses to Senegal and Sudan. Despite these setbacks, coach Eric Chelle remains focused on the future.

“Football is about learning lessons. We must show our positive side now,” Chelle said, highlighting the team's determination to demonstrate their skills against Congo. The match against Congo is an opportunity for the team to restore some pride and show the quality of Nigerian football.

Nigeria's Super Eagles face Congo in their final Group D match of the African Nations Championship, with pride being the main motivator after the team was eliminated following back-to-back defeats to Senegal and Sudan. Coach Eric Chelle expressed frustration over the disruption to the team's rhythm, citing the departure of eight key players from the qualifiers, which accounted for 80% of the squad. “We had to rebuild on the fly,” Chelle admitted, highlighting the challenges of assembling a cohesive unit under tight timelines.

Chelle's team has struggled to find form, losing 1-0 to Senegal and 4-0 to Sudan, while Congo has shown more resilience, earning two points from their previous matches. Congo's coach, Barthélémy Ngatsono, favors a disciplined approach, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting spaces with pace from forwards like Ekongo and Moussavou. For Nigeria, a win would be a morale boost, while Congo needs a victory to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.

The Super Eagles, already eliminated from the competition, will look to restore some pride when they face Congo in their final Group D match of the African Nations Championship. Despite their elimination, the team's captain, Junior Nduka, has vowed that they will not go out without a fight, promising to give their all in the match.

Congo, on the other hand, desperately needs a win to keep their qualification hopes alive after back-to-back draws in their opening games. The Leopards will be looking to capitalize on Nigeria's situation and secure a vital victory. The match is set to be an exciting encounter, with both teams pushing to achieve their objectives.

Nigeria's Super Eagles are determined to end their African Nations Championship campaign on a high note, with a win against Congo in their final Group D match. Coach Eric Chelle has assured fans that the team remains committed to fighting for victory, despite their disappointing start to the tournament. “We need a win for the country. We'll give everything against Congo,” Chelle said, emphasizing the importance of restoring pride and giving a performance worthy of the jersey.

The team's previous defeats to Senegal and Sudan have undoubtedly affected their morale, but Chelle believes that his players can bounce back stronger. “The two defeats affected us, but we must bounce back,” he said, highlighting the team's determination to show their positive side in the final match. With pride and national honor on the line, Nigeria will look to give their all against Congo.