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Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles are heading to Morocco next month determined to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2013, Footynaija.com reports.
With defending champions Ivory Coast, hosts Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, and Cameroon all capable of lifting the trophy, Chelle knows the scale of the challenge. But he insists his players are mentally and tactically ready.
“Of course we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON,” Chelle told CAFOnline.com.
“My last — and first — AFCON was a fantastic experience. I think Morocco will be a great tournament, too. The players feel the same. Since March we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar. We’ll be ready mentally and in our collective mindset. If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult. But there are big teams: Morocco are favourites, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire… nations in top form. Our strength is that the players have suffered, then found a way through. That can really hurt opponents.“
Before AFCON begins, Nigeria must overcome Gabon in their World Cup playoff semi-final on November 13, then either Cameroon or DR Congo for a chance at the Intercontinental playoffs. Chelle remains laser-focused.
“Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs,” Chelle added.
“The goal is to win those matches (note: against Gabon on 13 November and, if successful, the final on 16 November). If we win the first, we’ll aim for the second, then turn to AFCON. We’re working in parallel, but our mindset must first be on those immediate tests. When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything. But we proceed with humility, with a smile and a will to work. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated and united, nothing is impossible.”
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