Victor Ikpeba, a former forward for the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has expressed strong confidence in the ability of new head coach Eric Chelle to guide the team to victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). As Nigeria sets its sights on winning a fourth continental title in Morocco, Ikpeba believes that the experience and approach brought by Chelle will be crucial in securing the team’s success.
Ikpeba, who has always been a strong voice in Nigerian football, told Super Sport that Chelle, a relatively young coach with impressive credentials, has the potential to maximize the talents within the Super Eagles squad.
“I’m confident that Coach Chelle can lead this team to glory,” Ikpeba said. “He’s a young coach, but he has a solid understanding of African football. His tactical knowledge and ability to bring out the best in his players are qualities I believe will make the difference for Nigeria at AFCON.”
Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles in 2024, previously guided Mali to a commendable quarter-final finish at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. His achievements with Mali demonstrated his capacity to compete at the highest level in African football, and his move to Nigeria’s top job has raised expectations for the Super Eagles’ 2025 AFCON campaign.
Nigeria’s group stage opponents at the 2025 tournament include Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, with the Super Eagles set to face Tanzania in their opening match. The competition, which will take place in Morocco, will provide a tough challenge, but Ikpeba remains upbeat about the team’s prospects under Chelle’s stewardship.
A New Era for the Super Eagles
The Super Eagles are coming off a turbulent period following the dismissal of former coach José Peseiro in 2024. The team’s performance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign had left Nigerian football fans restless, and calls for a fresh direction were growing louder. In response, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) appointed Chelle as the new head coach, hoping that his expertise would help revive the Super Eagles’ fortunes.
Chelle, who had an extensive playing career with the Malian national team before transitioning into coaching, had already proven his managerial credentials in the African football circuit. His stint with Mali’s national team was met with praise for his strategic thinking and his ability to harness the strengths of his players.
Now, as the Super Eagles prepare for their upcoming challenges, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Chelle can inspire the same level of success with Nigeria as he did with Mali. Ikpeba, who has a rich history of representing Nigeria at major tournaments, has no doubts about Chelle’s potential to bring the best out of Nigeria’s football stars.
A Star-Studded Super Eagles Squad
Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 AFCON is a blend of experienced players and youthful talent, with a number of stars playing their club football in top European leagues. Key players like Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Alex Iwobi will be expected to lead the charge for the Super Eagles, with a number of up-and-coming talents looking to make a name for themselves on the continental stage.
Ikpeba highlighted that Chelle’s task will be to strike a balance between experience and youth, ensuring that the team remains competitive throughout the tournament. The former forward, who played for Nigeria during their successful 1994 AFCON campaign, emphasized the importance of tactical discipline, mental toughness, and team cohesion in winning major tournaments.
“The team has a lot of talent,” Ikpeba continued. “What they need now is the right guidance. Chelle has shown that he knows how to motivate players and get them to work together. He’s a coach who understands the African game and knows how to navigate the challenges of a tournament like AFCON.”
The Road to Morocco
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be a critical moment for Nigeria, as the Super Eagles seek to win their fourth continental title. The team’s journey to the tournament will be filled with high expectations, given Nigeria’s rich football history and reputation as one of Africa’s powerhouses. However, the competition promises to be fierce, with other teams like Egypt, Senegal, and Algeria also aiming for the title.
Nigeria’s group stage opponents, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, each pose unique challenges for the Super Eagles. Tunisia, with their disciplined and tactical approach, will be a tough opponent for Nigeria, while Uganda’s emerging talents and Tanzania’s resilient style of play will keep Chelle and his squad on their toes.
The opening match against Tanzania will set the tone for Nigeria’s tournament. The Super Eagles will need to start strong to build momentum and position themselves for a successful run to the knockout stages.
The Support of Former Players
Ikpeba’s endorsement of Coach Chelle has been welcomed by many in Nigerian football, with other former players and analysts voicing their support for the new coach. The role of experienced figures like Ikpeba in Nigerian football is vital, as they offer invaluable insights and motivation to the team.
Ikpeba’s words also reflect a broader sense of optimism within the Nigerian football community. The Super Eagles have struggled in recent years, but with the appointment of Chelle, there is renewed hope that Nigeria can once again reach the heights of African football. For Ikpeba, it’s not just about the tactical setup; it’s about the passion and pride that comes with representing Nigeria on the continental stage.
“There’s a deep sense of pride when you wear the Super Eagles jersey,” Ikpeba concluded. “The fans expect success, and with the right guidance, I believe this team can make Nigeria proud. I trust that Coach Chelle is the man to lead us to glory.”
