AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Reacts as Nigeria Beats Egypt to Win Bronze Medal

• Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has spoken after Nigeria won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal
• The Super Eagles played their second consecutive penalty shootout at the tournament and defeated Egypt 4-2
• Nigeria won their record-extending ninth bronze medal in the history of Africa's premier tournament

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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shared his thoughts after Nigeria defeated Egypt to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal on January 17, in Casablanca.

Nigeria and the Pharaohs of Egypt battled for a goalless draw in 90 minutes at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca in the third-place playoff match.

Paul Onuachu scored in the first half after getting a touch on Akor Adams’ header from Samuel Chukwueze’s but it was ruled out for a foul on the buildup.

Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero in the penalty shootout, saving Egypt’s first two from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

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Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed for Nigeria, but Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman converted to secure the win for the Super Eagles.

As noted by NFF, Nigeria won their Golden Bronze medal, for the ninth time in the competition’s history and maintained their 100% record in third-place playoff matches.

Eric Chelle reacts after Super Eagles win

Super Eagles head coach Chelle spoke to the media after the win, applauding his team for their performance despite the disappointment of not reaching the final.

“Being a coach is never easy. At one point I felt disappointed, not because the players fell short, but because they gave everything they had until exhaustion,” he told CAF media.

"Today, as I stand here, I feel great pride in them.I am very proud to be the coach of the Nigerian national team. This team gave everything, not only in this match, but over the past two months and throughout a full year of continuous work.

“The players gave everything for me, for the coaching staff, and for the country. I respect them all and am extremely proud of what they delivered.

Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan also applauded his players, claiming that the match was defined by small details in the penalty shootout.

“It was a very evenly matched game against a strong Nigerian team. Both teams were organized and disciplined throughout the match,” he said.

“We managed to control several phases of the game, but in matches like these, things are decided by details. Today, the outcome was determined by penalty kicks.

"The players showed great character and strong discipline. I am very satisfied with my team’s performance and proud of their commitment and the spirit they displayed till the end.”

Eric Chelle speaks about his future

Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle spoke about his future ahead of Nigeria's AFCON 2025 third-place match against Egypt in Morocco.

The manager remained calm that he is still the head coach of the Super Eagles, but confirmed he will hold talks with the NFF after the tournament.