AFCON 2025: Eagles ready for Algeria battle — Chelle, Simon

Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle and midfielder Moses Simon have said Nigeria is mentally and tactically prepared for Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Algeria at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The coach and player spoke about the readiness of the team during a pre-match press conference in Marrakech on Friday.

They underlined the Super Eagles’ clear focus on tactical discipline and mental strength.

Chelle said the team would adopt a determined approach to outscore Algeria and rise to the challenge of a high-pressure quarter-final encounter.

He said: “To win this game we have to score goals. 

“We analysed them, identified weaknesses, and worked on a plan.

“The players’ mindset is crucial because this is a big game.” 

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Chelle added that final training on Friday (yesterday) would fine-tune strategies, stressing unity, focus, and readiness against what he described as a highly professional Algerian side.

In the same vein, Assistant Captain Simon said the team was motivated to rewrite history after Algeria’s 2019 semi-final win over Nigeria.

He said: “We know what happened in 2019, but this is a different mindset.

“We have many hungry young players. 

“Our goal is to win and make our dreams come true.”

Saturday’s encounter will be the 25th senior meeting between both sides, with Algeria holding a slight historical edge, while Nigeria famously triumphed on penalties in Morocco at AFCON 1988.

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