Eric Chelle Speaks On Struggles Of Osimhen, Lookman, Onyedika At AFCON 2025
Chelle Discusses Player Challenges During AFCON 2025
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle addressed the physical and tactical difficulties faced by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Raphael Onyedika during Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco.
Chelle revealed that Osimhen contended with a hamstring injury throughout the tournament, necessitating continuous oversight from the team’s medical staff. Despite this setback, the Galatasaray striker excelled, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six appearances, earning a spot in the Confederation of African Football’s Team of the Tournament. He completed the full 90 minutes in only two of Nigeria’s six matches against Tunisia and Algeria.
“The fixture congestion and limited recovery time impacted the team’s physical condition, especially in the latter stages,” Chelle said during an interview on RMC Sport’s “After Foot.” He noted the team’s challenging travel schedule, which involved returning from Marrakesh to Fez before heading to Rabat for a match just 48 hours later.
Chelle remarked on the team’s lack of proper recovery resources, stating, “We didn’t have a cryotherapy chamber with us to recover.” He emphasized the effect of fatigue, especially after multiple travel and training sessions squeezed between matches.
He confirmed the extent of Osimhen’s injury, which influenced his performance as the tournament progressed. “Victor played in the Africa Cup of Nations injured,” Chelle stated.
Osimhen captained Nigeria in matches against Uganda and Morocco, but he was not in the lineup for the third-place playoff against Egypt, although he remained part of the matchday squad.
Chelle also discussed Lookman’s condition, explaining how the player’s lack of consistent game time early in the season took its toll. “Ademola Lookman did not play much in September,” he said, even as Lookman became one of Nigeria’s key players in the group stages.
“His contributions were exceptional, but fatigue became evident in the knockout rounds,” Chelle noted, highlighting Lookman’s evolution into a standout performer. Shortly after the tournament, Lookman transferred to Atlético Madrid, where he made an impressive debut with both a goal and an assist.
Chelle further assessed Raphael Onyedika’s effort during Nigeria’s semifinal defeat to Morocco, where he struggled to replace the suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi. “We lack Ndidi’s presence in midfield, which changed our dynamic,” Chelle explained. He acknowledged the differing tactical styles of Ndidi and Onyedika but maintained confidence in Onyedika’s overall abilities.
“In this match, he didn’t perform as well as Ndidi, but he is still a talented player,” Chelle stated, referencing Onyedika’s strengths showcased in club performances.
In the end, Nigeria concluded their AFCON campaign on a positive note, securing a bronze medal after a penalty shootout victory against Egypt following a scoreless draw.
