Fes has offered a harsh introduction to winter football at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Yet since arriving in the northern Moroccan city, the Super Eagles have done more than simply adapt to the elements; they have defended their ground with composure, discipline, and authority.
Nigeria emerged from the group stage with a flawless 3–0 record, one of the most convincing team performances of the opening round. Now, Eric Chelle’s side prepares for their final appearance in Fes, where they will face Mozambique in the Round of 16 on January 5, with Marrakesh firmly in sight and belief growing around a serious title push.
“The Most Important Game Is the Next One” — Chelle
At the pre-match press conference, Chelle struck a calm but purposeful tone as he sat alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi. Both men delivered a unified message of focus over celebration.
“Yes, winning the title is the ultimate goal at this AFCON,” Chelle said. “But the most important game is the next one against Mozambique.”
Since Nigeria’s opening-day victory over Tanzania, the Super Eagles coach has repeatedly emphasized three key principles: focus, intensity, and continuous improvement.
Despite their perfect group-stage record, Nigeria have conceded four goals, one in each match, including against a 10-man Uganda side. Chelle acknowledged that his team has, at times, finished games with less intensity than they began but insisted this remains a major area of focus on the training ground.
“Every training session matters,” he said. “We must correct these details.”
A Coach Growing Into His Biggest Challenge
At 48, and nearing a decade as a first-team head coach, Chelle views the Nigeria job as the most demanding of his career. Reflecting on his debut AFCON with Mali in Côte d’Ivoire, he admitted the experience has shaped his approach.
“I’ve learned to be calmer both in my in-game analysis and in managing the team and strategy,” Chelle explained.
“With Mali, the pressure was intense because it was my country. But with Nigeria, I don’t think any job can put you under more pressure than this one.”
That pressure has been formalized. Reports indicate the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission have set reaching the AFCON final as the minimum target, following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
From Dark Horses to Genuine Contenders
Nigeria entered the tournament as dark horses, but their commanding group-stage performance has rapidly shifted perceptions. Winning maximum points has placed them on a potential collision course with fellow heavyweights Algeria and host nation Morocco, should they advance, though Chelle remains wary of underestimating other sides, including DR Congo and Tanzania.
“We’ve put the group stage behind us now,” captain Wilfred Ndidi said. “This is a new competition. The real tournament starts here.”
Mozambique Warns of a Fight
Standing in Nigeria’s path is Mozambique, who have reached the AFCON knockout stage for the first time in their history. Underdogs on paper, head coach Francisco Conde and captain Elias Pelembe insist the Mambas will approach the contest with confidence and courage.
Nigeria’s favorable head-to-head record of four wins and one draw may suggest a routine outing, but Conde dismissed that notion.
“We’ve shown that with unity, spirit, and collective responsibility, we can compete with teams like Nigeria,” he warned.
All Set in Fes
Monday’s Round of 16 clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fes carries real consequence. Mozambique has the chance to write history with a shock victory, while Nigeria aims to extend their unbeaten run in Morocco and move one step closer to Marrakesh and the ultimate prize.
For the Super Eagles, the message is clear: focus first, dream later.
