Eric Chelle points out Nigeria’s shortcomings against Morocco | OneFootball

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Chelle reveals what cost Nigeria a place in the AFCON final

Photo: Eric Chelle

Nigeria national team head coach Eric Chelle has laid bare the key reasons that saw his side bow out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the semi-final stage against Morocco.

The Super Eagles’ journey ended after a tense 120 minutes without a goal, with the host nation eventually clinching victory 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

Reflecting on the clash, the French-Malian tactician pointed to a lack of cohesion, fatigue, and the overwhelming pressure from Morocco’s passionate supporters as decisive factors in Nigeria’s elimination.

“It’s tough to play these massive games because you’re in Morocco, you’re not just up against the team but also the crowd, and the pressure is immense. We missed certain tactical movements in that match,” Chelle explained.

“It wasn’t the last match, there’s still another to play. We lost many long balls, but as I said in my last [pre-match] press conference, we’re tired, and we’ll approach this game with our mentality. The players gave everything and fought for every ball.”

Nigeria were among the tournament’s most impressive sides, netting a remarkable 14 goals and conceding just four, and Chelle admitted it was painful to exit the competition without suffering a defeat in normal time.

“So, honestly, I’m proud of my players. It’s very tough for me and the lads because the truth is, we’re leaving this AFCON without losing a single match in 90 minutes,” he added.

Chelle and his men will now face record seven-time African champions Egypt in the third-place playoff, with the winner set to claim the Bronze medal on Saturday, 17 January.