Nigeria target AFCON response after World Cup play-off heartbreak | OneFootball

Nigeria need an AFCON reset after missing a second straight World Cup, losing to DR Congo on penalties in the African play-off final. The tournament in Morocco runs 21 December to 18 January. They were runners-up in Côte d’Ivoire.

In Rabat on 16 November, Éric Chelle vented about fate and an opposition staffer during the shootout, then apologised soon after the 1-1, 3-4 exit. According to L'Équipe, he has little time to dwell, and Nigeria are expected to aim high.

Chelle, 48, chose this pressure, leaving MC Oran in January to replace interim Augustine Eguavoen. He said in summer he came for the challenge, not money, accepting he could be sacked after any match.

Nigerian sports media have reported almost three months of unpaid wages and bonuses for staff, which the federation did not deny. Chelle has stayed silent, and day-to-day management can be erratic.

Their AFCON may hinge on captain Victor Osimhen. He topped 2023 qualifying with 10 in six and was African footballer of the year, yet scored only once at the finals while playing through abdominal pain against South Africa, 1-1, 4-2 on penalties.

He still drove the side, forcing Opa Sanganté’s own goal against Guinea-Bissau, winning the penalty versus Côte d’Ivoire, assisting Ademola Lookman against Cameroon and unsettling Angola in the quarters. Team-mates and coaches highlight his pressing, hold-up play and hunger, which create space for Moses Simon and Lookman.

After a €75m move from Napoli to Galatasaray last summer, plus €5m in add-ons, Osimhen will try to lift an attack featuring Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Lookman if fit. At the back Nigeria are stretched, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali a doubt and Ola Aina out long term with an adductor injury from September.

Source: L'Équipe