Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has expressed confidence in his team's ability to conquer Africa at the 2025 Nations Cup in Morocco.

After narrowly missing out to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final of the previous edition, the three-time African champions will be hoping to take that final step in Morocco when the tournament kicks off next month.

Chelle, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) earlier this year, believes Nigeria are among the favourites to clinch the title.

The Malian tactician believes the Super Eagles will be unstoppable if they head to Morocco on the back of success in the World Cup playoffs.

“Of course we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON. 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,” Chelle said as quoted by CAFonline.

“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.”

The 47-year-old also mentioned hosts Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia among the favourites to win the tournament.

"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.”

Nigeria will face Gabon in their World Cup playoff on Thursday, November 13. A victory for Eric Chelle's side in that game will guarantee them a place in the final CAF playoff against either Cameroon or DR Congo.

The Super Eagles have been pitted in Group C with Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda for the 2025 AFCON, which kicks off on December 21.

WDN