Super Eagles Players Made Me Proud Against Algeria – Chelle

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has showered praises on the players following their impressive 2-0 win over Algeria to qualify for the 2025 Nations Cup semi-final.

Victor Osimhen, and Akor Adams scored the goals that handed the team a well-deserved victory after a dominant performance in Marrakech.

Chelle said the players executed the game plan with maturity, praising them for their commitments in the encounter.

He said: “I am extremely proud of the boys. They were happy, focused, and brave. We worked hard, and my vision is clearly taking shape in this team.

“For 45 minutes, we stayed calm. I told the players to trust the process. When the moment came, we struck with authority.

“That first goal was important. It released the pressure and gave us belief to play our football.

“We were ruthless when opportunities came. That is the mentality we want at this level. Our defence stayed compact and intelligent. We managed the game well and showed maturity.

“Players like Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Calvin Bassey are all thriving within clearly defined roles. The bench now offers solutions rather than panic,”

Chelle acknowledged the challenge of facing hosts Morocco in the semi-final on Wednesday.

He said: “Morocco are strong and playing at home. There will be pressure, but we respect them and believe in ourselves.

“We will rest, analyse, and prepare. The best team will win, and we want to be that team.”

Algeria coach, Vladimir Petković, said his players are devastated for losing the match while admitting that the Super Eagles deserved to win.

He said: “We tried to improve, but we couldn’t reach the level we wanted going forward.

“The players are devastated, but they performed well throughout the tournament. This competition is over, and we must now look ahead with our heads held high.”

Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi will miss the semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday due to suspension.

Ndidi accumulated two yellow cards during the knockout stages, triggering an automatic one-match ban.

He was booked against Mozambique in the second round, and against Algeria in the last eight.

According to the rules of the tournament, all yellow cards are reset after the semi-finals.

The semi-final clash against Morocco is slated for 9pm at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday.