Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reiterated that Nigeria’s priority remains winning as the team prepares for its final Group C fixture against Uganda at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria have made a flawless start to the tournament, recording back-to-back victories to sit top of the group with six points. The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania before edging Tunisia 3–2 in a pulsating encounter, results that secured early qualification for the round of 16 alongside Egypt and Algeria.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle hinted at possible squad rotation but stressed that no final decision has been taken on his starting line-up for the Uganda game.

“There are players in this group that deserve to be in this team for this game and the other games,” Chelle said. “To win something, it’s not just about 11 players, it’s about the group. I have to think about a lot of things, but my choice will arrive after the training session or tomorrow morning.”

Nigeria’s victory over Tunisia was not without late tension, as the Carthage Eagles rallied from 3–0 down to test the Super Eagles until the final whistle. Chelle faced questions over his substitutions, which some critics felt contributed to Tunisia’s comeback.

Defending his decisions, the Malian tactician pointed to football’s unpredictability. “Sometimes the choice you make is very good, the player scores or makes an assist. Sometimes it doesn’t work. After that, people say the choice wasn’t good, but this is football,” he said. “The reality is that we won 3–2. We should have won 3–0, but we won. We’ve scored five goals.”

While admitting the importance of defensive solidity, Chelle highlighted Nigeria’s attacking output as a major positive. “You want a clean sheet, but I see the goals we score. For sure, we want to win, and I have to look for the best way for my team,” he added.

Fitness concerns appear minimal ahead of the Uganda clash. Chelle confirmed there are no major injuries in the squad, although a few players are nursing minor knocks.

“There is no injury,” he said. “Just little pain for Stanley Nwabali, Frank Onyeka, and Victor Osimhen. They can play, they want to play, and we’ll see in the training session.”

Chelle also spoke passionately about what it means to lead the Super Eagles, underlining the shared ambition within his coaching staff and players.

“I’m very proud to work for this nation, to try and bring something, to be ambitious,” he said. “The people with me feel the same. They want to die for Nigeria, and we’re ready for that.”