Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has insisted that pressure is part of the job as Nigeria prepares to begin its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.
Chelle faced the media ahead of Friday’s Group D encounter, with questions focusing on the expectations surrounding the Super Eagles, the late arrival of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, his assessment of the squad and the team’s approach to the opening qualifier.
With Nigerians expecting the Super Eagles to start their campaign with a strong performance, Chelle said he is not looking to run away from the pressure but instead wants his players to remain focused on the task at hand.
“This is our job. The pressure is a part of the job. We want to stay focused on our group and our team,” Chelle told reporters.
The coach explained that the immediate priority is ensuring the players are properly prepared for the qualifier, with the team’s final training session providing the opportunity to put the finishing touches to their preparations.
Chelle Addresses Maduka Okoye Situation
Chelle was also asked about the late arrival of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and the circumstances surrounding his absence from the early stages of the Super Eagles’ camp.
The coach explained that Okoye had sought permission to attend an event connected to his club and was expected to return earlier. However, with the goalkeeper yet to arrive as planned, Chelle said he would assess the situation and make the necessary decisions for the team.
The situation comes as Nigeria prepares for an important opening fixture, with the coach expected to carefully manage his available options ahead of the Madagascar clash.
Chelle Wants Nigeria to Set the Tone
Asked about his assessment of the current Super Eagles squad, Chelle expressed strong confidence in his players and their mentality.
The coach said his objective is for Nigeria to make a statement from the beginning of the qualifying campaign, stressing the quality within the squad and the importance of having the right state of mind.
Chelle wants his players to be aggressive, intense and ambitious on the pitch while also maintaining the focus required to execute their plans throughout the match.
For the Nigerian coach, the challenge is not simply about winning or losing but also about the mentality the team shows during every training session and every game.
He urged the players to put previous disappointments behind them and concentrate on moving forward, insisting that ambition must remain at the heart of their preparations.
Madagascar Expected to Provide a Tough Test
Chelle also warned against underestimating Madagascar, describing Friday’s encounter as a difficult game and pointing to the Barea’s previous victory over Nigeria in 2019.
The Super Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat to Madagascar at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, making Friday’s qualifier another opportunity for Nigeria to respond to that previous setback.
Chelle expects the encounter to be a physical and competitive battle and believes his players must be mentally prepared for the challenge.
We have to be ready. It will be a fight,” the coach said, while expressing confidence that his players have the right mentality to face the test.
Nigeria will now look to translate Chelle’s emphasis on intensity, aggression and ambition into a strong performance when the Super Eagles take on Madagascar in Uyo.
The AFCON 2027 qualifier will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, 2026, as Nigeria begins its quest for a place at the tournament.
