Agadir – Following his team’s defeat to Morocco in the much-anticipated AFCON semifinal clash, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle acknowledged his team’s shortcomings in intensity, technical execution, and movement, but praised his players for their effort and mindset. He also commended Moroccan coach Walid Regragui for his leadership and congratulated Morocco on both their victory and their organization of the tournament.
Eric Chelle said his team fell short in several areas, including intensity, technical execution, and movement. He acknowledged that Morocco deserved the victory, but stressed that his players showed the right mentality throughout the tightly contested match.
The coach explained that, despite the difficulties they faced during the game, his squad responded positively and fought for every ball. “They fight on every ball. It’s difficult because we lost again in the penalty session. And it’s crazy because we work a lot during all of the training sessions, but this is football. We have to accept that and continue to work.” Chelle said.
Eric Chelle said that his immediate focus is on analyzing the semifinal defeat, preparing for the next game. He stated “the African Cup is not finished. We have to stay focused on the next game, and we have to win this game.”
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The coach expressed pride in his players’ performances but admitted he was disappointed on their behalf, as he believes the team showed the quality of one of the strongest sides remaining in the tournament. “I’m proud of my players, but I’m disappointed for them,” he stressed.
Chelle described Walid Regragui as a respected senior figure, referring to him as a “big brother” who has continued to prove himself and whose work he has always been proud of.
The Super Eagles’ coach added that facing such an opponent is part of the privilege of competing at this level and expressed hope that they would have further opportunities to meet again on the pitch in the future.
“Before this match, I said that he has worked very hard, that he is under a lot of pressure, and that he has put in a lot of effort. He deserves this victory,” Chelle said.
The coach concluded by commending Morocco’s organization of the Africa Cup of Nations and for its team’s solid performances on home soil. “I would like to heartily congratulate Morocco for such an organization of the AFCON,” he said. “I would like to commend them equally for this victory and for the final they will be playing on Sunday. They will be facing a very solid team.”
