Head coach, Éric Chelle vows Super Eagles will win AFCON title in 2027

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has officially declared his ambition to lead Nigeria to victory at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This follows the team’s impressive performance at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where they secured a third-place finish. Chelle’s side earned widespread praise for their attacking style throughout the continental tournament.

Nigeria emerged as the most prolific team in the competition, scoring a total of 14 goals. Defensively, the Super Eagles were equally remarkable, maintaining a record of not conceding a single goal from open play during the knockout stages. This balance of power and discipline has set a high bar for the team’s future.

The next edition of the tournament is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Chelle expressed immense confidence that his squad will return even stronger for that campaign. He believes the foundations laid in Morocco have prepared the players to finally lift the trophy.  

Reflecting on the emotional weight of the recent campaign, the coach shared a personal moment regarding his family. He admitted that while he fell short of the ultimate prize this time, the journey was deeply meaningful. His focus has now shifted entirely to going one step further in 2027.

Chelle spoke candidly about the pride he felt despite the narrow miss on the championship title. “It’s pride. It’s a relief. I went to see my mom and dad and told them I was coming back with the AFCON trophy. Mom, Dad, sorry, I’m only coming back with third place, but that’s already exceptional for me,” Chelle said.

The Super Eagles’ attacking dominance has reignited hope among fans for a fourth African title. With the coach’s long-term vision now public, the preparations for the East African tournament are expected to begin in earnest. The team remains one of the most feared units on the continent heading into the next cycle.

As the team transitions from their Moroccan success, the focus remains on maintaining their defensive solidity while polishing their scoring prowess. Chelle’s determination signals a new era of stability for Nigerian football. The road to 2027 officially begins with a coach hungry for redemption on the grandest stage.