AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Explains Closed-Door Training Ahead of Nigeria vs Mozambique Round of 16

Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to hold closed-door training sessions as the Super Eagles gear up for their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 match against the Mambas of Mozambique. For the second time this week, the team will train away from media and public scrutiny on Saturday to ensure focus and preparation.

Speaking with the media ahead of the game, Chelle elaborated on his approach:

“If I allow you journalists, media, content creators to always come in and then we lose, you’ll be the same people saying, ‘Eric is crazy, he opens the door every time.’ So everyone should stay calm. I did this to protect my players.”

The Super Eagles will take on Mozambique on Monday, 6th January 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with the match set to kick off at 8 pm Nigerian time. A place in the quarterfinals is on the line.