AFCON Bronze: Eric Chelle Admits Egypt Loss Could Have Ended His Super Eagles Job
- Super Eagles beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win AFCON bronze
- Eric Chelle admits defeat could have threatened his job
- Coach praises players’ sacrifice and discipline
- NFF talks expected after the tournament
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that losing the AFCON bronze medal match against Egypt could have put his future with Nigeria in danger, after his side secured a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory on Saturday evening in Casablanca.
Nigeria ended their AFCON campaign on a positive note after edging past Egypt on penalties to finish third at the tournament.
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The bronze medal playoff, played at the Stade Mohammed V, ended goalless after 90 minutes before the Super Eagles held their nerve from the spot to defeat the Pharaohs 4-2.
Speaking after the match, Eric Chelle admitted that the pressure on him was intense and that a defeat could have changed everything.
“It will be very difficult, if we lose the game, for me to continue to be a coach,” Chelle said.
“I was so disappointed for my guys because they gave everything during this AFCON.”
The Malian coach, who took charge of Nigeria during a difficult period, praised his players for their commitment and response to his demands.
“At this moment, I am very proud of them. I am very proud to be the coach of Nigeria,” he added.
“We worked for one month during this tournament and even before that. The players showed character.”
Chelle also spoke about the challenge of managing the Super Eagles as a foreign coach, noting that his strict approach was not always easy for the players.
“It is not easy when a French guy comes and is very demanding,” he said.
“They gave everything for me, and they have my respect for life.”
Despite celebrating the bronze medal finish, the coach admitted he was still disappointed not to lift the AFCON trophy.
“I am happy for the third place, but disappointed not to bring the trophy,” Chelle said.
“Maybe in two years I can bring it, maybe not. We will see.”
Chelle is expected to meet with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in the coming days to discuss his future, after falling short of his initial target of reaching the AFCON final.
