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Eric Chelle has shared an emotional behind-the-scenes moment with Victor Osimhen that summed up the spirit of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations journey in 2025, offering a rare glimpse into the bond between coach and star striker, footynaija.com reports.
Appointed in January 2025, the Franco-Malian manager walked into one of the toughest jobs in African football, replacing a long line of high-profile coaches and inheriting enormous expectations. His previous tournament experience with Mali at AFCON 2023 left many fans unconvinced, but Chelle embraced the challenge, setting his sights on rebuilding belief within the Super Eagles.
Victor Osimhen is backing Eric Chelle for long-term success with the Super Eagles 🦅🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/zjrEPXTRby
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! 💣 (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 9, 2026
Although Nigeria failed to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the team arrived at AFCON determined to make a statement. Playing with greater tempo and attacking intent, the Super Eagles thrilled supporters as Osimhen and Ademola Lookman spearheaded a run to the semi-finals.
Their dream of reaching the final ended in cruel fashion, losing to hosts Morocco on penalties. With spirits low ahead of the third-place match against Egypt, Chelle found himself in a touching exchange with his talisman.
Breaking News 🥹🥹🚨❤️❤️
— Esegbona Luis (@esegbona_luis) February 9, 2026
Victor Osimhen supports young Nigerian footballers with 10 million Naira and a Golden advice .
After giving them money , he made it clear that they need three things to succeed and the FIRST IS GOD . You need God, pray as if your life depends on it… pic.twitter.com/lTso0b5tj1
“Before this match (against Egypt), I had a discussion with Victor on the field. I told him that we absolutely had to go for that third place,” Chelle told RMC Sport.
“But I could see that he was injured, that things weren’t going well at all. So I told him: ‘I’m proud of what you’ve done since I took over this team. If you ever need me, whatever happens in your life, you call me, I’ll come.'”
What followed left the coach overwhelmed.
“When I arrived, you were already a great player, I didn’t arrive as a great coach. He (Osimhen) looked at me and said: ‘Coach, maybe you were a small coach, but now you are a great coach.’ At that point, I burst into tears. Honestly, it was hard to go on to training afterwards.”
Nigeria eventually claimed third place after a 0-0 draw and a 4-2 penalty shootout win, closing the tournament on a high note.
