Nigeria’s Super Eagles are fired up and fully focused ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Algeria, with head coach Eric Chelle and winger Moses Simon expressing strong belief in the team’s readiness to secure a semi-final spot.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Coach Chelle admitted that scoring goals will be key to Nigeria’s chances, while stressing that detailed tactical preparation has gone into stopping the North African giants.
To win this game, we have to score goals, Chelle said. We analysed Algeria, we looked at their weaknesses and we worked on how to take advantage of them. But in a quarter-final, mindset is very important. You must manage pressure, manage the opponent and also follow what the coach asks.
The Malian tactician also revealed that the technical crew has placed heavy emphasis on training intensity and mental readiness, noting that the final training session before the match would be crucial.
We work every day, every training session. That is why I always talk about training. We still have our last session today and I believe we will be ready for the game tomorrow, he added.
Chelle also acknowledged Algeria’s painful 2019 AFCON semi-final victory over Nigeria but insisted that the current match should not be judged by past results.
Yes, I was there in 2019 when they knocked us out, but that is the past. Now we are in the present. Different players, different mindset. Many young players want to make a name for themselves, he said.
On his part, Moses Simon echoed the coach’s confidence, assuring fans that the players are highly motivated and determined to go all the way in the tournament.
The Super Eagles will face Algeria in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams chasing a place in the semi-finals and keeping their AFCON title dreams alive.
We are not going to try to win, we want to win. That is our goal, Chelle concluded.
Nigeria and Algeria have built a fierce rivalry over the years, and another intense chapter is expected when both sides meet in this crucial quarter-final showdown.
