Chelle: Eagles out for revenge… our goal is lifting next AFCON trophy

Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles head coach, says the team’s goal is “to lift” Africa Cup Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. 

On Monday, the Eagles were drawn against Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in Group C of the forthcoming AFCON tournament.

The group stage will begin Nigeria’s quest to improve their second-placed finish at the last edition of the competition, where they 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire in the final.

In a chat with the CAF Media team, Chelle said he and the Eagles are “out for revenge” due to respective shortcomings at the last AFCON.

The Franco-Malian tactician added that the Eagles’ current squad are “capable” of making Nigeria the champions of Africa for the fourth time.

“Yes, it’s going to be difficult to win because there are 24 very good teams and some very good coaches,” Chelle said.

“I know I’ve got a team that’s out for revenge, and I’m out for revenge too, so we’re going to have a lot of fun.

“We are out for revenge. We know what this team is capable of, and our goal is clear—to lift the trophy in Morocco.”

The 35th AFCON is scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 21, 2025, till January 18, 2026.

Chelle was appointed the Eagles’ head coach in on January 7.

He was Mali’s head coach at the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire. He led the team to the quarter-final, where the country lost to the hosts in extra time.