“Our State of Mind is Good,” Says Boss, Focusing on Pitch Amid Reports of Unrest in Super Eagles Camp
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has insisted his squad remains fully focused on their Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria, brushing aside reports of off-field distractions including a reported altercation between star players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight clash in Marrakech, Chelle emphasized that his responsibility lies solely with on-pitch matters, leaving administrative issues to the Nigerian Football Federation.
“My job is to try to stay focused about only what happens on the pitch and not outside,” Chelle stated. “If you have other questions about things outside the pitch, you have to ask my federation.”
The Franco-Malian coach expressed confidence in his team’s unity and mentality ahead of the rematch of the 2019 semifinal, which Algeria won thanks to a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick. “The group has to stay with big solidarity,” he said. “Our state of mind is good. Physically we are ready, tactically I have to make some choices, and technically we are ready too.”
The match pits the tournament’s most potent attack—Nigeria have scored 12 goals in four games—against its stingiest defense, with Algeria conceding just once. Chelle acknowledged the challenge but backed his team’s attacking prowess.
“If we have to score many goals, we will do that,” he said. “To win this game, we have to score goals. We analyze the game, we try to find the weaknesses of the opponent.”
With a place in the semifinals at stake, Chelle’s message was clear: despite the noise, the Super Eagles are united and ready for the battle ahead.
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