CAN 2025/ Nigeria: Éric Chelle reveals the key to beating Algeria

On the eve of the highly anticipated quarter-final against Algeria, the Nigeria coach, Eric Chelle, stressed offensive efficiency and mental strength as essential conditions for qualification to the final four.

The Nigeria coach, Éric Chelle, laid out the keys he believes are essential to help the Super Eagles get past Algeria this Saturday in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarterfinal at the Marrakech Stadium.

Impressive since the start of the tournament, Nigeria has a solid record with four wins from as many matches, twelve goals scored and only four conceded. For its part, Algeria is also advancing with assurance, undefeated and boasting a near-impenetrable defense, having conceded only one goal.

In a Friday press conference, the Malian coach summed up the stakes with pragmatism. “To win this match, we will have to score more goals than the opponent.”, he said, before stressing the importance of analysis and preparation: “We study Algeria’s game, we look for its weaknesses. But at this stage of the competition, it all comes down to the mind.”

Éric Chelle emphasized managing pressure and strict adherence to the instructions. “The quarter-finals require great mental strength. We must be able to respond, follow the plan and stay focused. Daily training work is essential.”, he stressed. If successful, Nigeria would take symbolic revenge on Algeria, who defeated the Super Eagles in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Egypt.