Final or Failure: NFF Sets Hard AFCON Target for Chelle

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has issued a firm ultimatum to newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, making it clear that only an Africa Cup of Nations final appearance will be considered success.

Speaking on Eagle FM, as shared on X, Gusau said the expectations for the Malian coach are non-negotiable. “The mandate given to Eric Chelle is to get to the AFCON final,” he declared, leaving little doubt about what lies ahead for the 47-year-old.

Chelle’s appointment sparked debate across Nigerian football, with many questioning the choice of a relatively low-profile coach over more established names. With AFCON 2025 scheduled for Morocco, Gusau stressed that anything short of the final would be unacceptable.

Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013 and has since endured mixed fortunes, including a group-stage exit in 2021 and a painful runners-up finish in 2023. Against that backdrop, the NFF’s target reflects both ambition and mounting pressure.

Despite the tough mandate, Gusau said Chelle will enjoy full technical freedom. “I will never tell a coach to pick this or that player… I don’t want to be a distraction,” he said, adding that he avoids staying with the team during camps.

That freedom, however, comes with accountability. Chelle remains unbeaten so far and has already raised eyebrows with bold squad decisions, including new call-ups and notable omissions.

The coach inherits a talented squad led by Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, but expectations from fans remain unforgiving.

AFCON 2025 kicks off in December in Morocco, with Nigeria drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania. For Chelle, it is final or nothing—and the countdown has begun.