Chelle Closes Super Eagles Training Ahead of Mozambique Clash

Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle, has barred media access to the team’s training sessions scheduled for Thursday and Friday as Nigeria steps up preparations for their Round of 16 encounter against Mozambique at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

According to sources within the Super Eagles camp, the decision means that both training sessions will be conducted behind closed doors, with only players and essential technical staff allowed access. The move comes as the team enters the final phase of preparations for the knockout fixture, which is expected to test Nigeria’s title credentials.

Chelle, who has overseen an impressive group-stage campaign, insisted that the restriction is necessary to allow him work closely with his players without distractions. The Franco-Malian coach is believed to be fine-tuning tactical plans and addressing specific areas identified during Nigeria’s three group matches.

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The Super Eagles cruised through the group stage with maximum points, winning all three matches while scoring eight goals and conceding four. Their commanding performances have raised expectations among fans and pundits, but Chelle has repeatedly cautioned against complacency as the tournament moves into the knockout rounds.

Camp officials disclosed that the technical crew is using the closed sessions to rehearse different tactical variations, including possible changes in formation and personnel, depending on Mozambique’s approach. Attention is also being paid to set-piece routines, defensive organisation and game management, areas that often prove decisive in knockout football.

Mozambique qualified for the Round of 16 after a mixed group-stage showing, losing to defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, beating Gabon, and narrowly falling 2–1 to Cameroon. Despite their inconsistency, the Mambas are regarded as a disciplined side capable of springing surprises, a factor that has informed Nigeria’s cautious preparations.

The decision to shut out the media has generated mixed reactions, with some journalists expressing disappointment over restricted access. However, team officials maintain that the move is in line with standard practice at major tournaments, especially at critical stages when coaches prefer privacy to protect tactical plans from opponents.

Players are said to be fully focused and in high spirits following their flawless group-stage run. Senior members of the squad have reportedly backed the coach’s decision, noting that concentration and unity are crucial as the margin for error narrows.

The Super Eagles are expected to face Mozambique on Monday, with the match set to determine who advances to the quarter-finals. For Chelle, the emphasis remains on preparation rather than publicity, as he seeks to guide Nigeria past the Round of 16 hurdle and keep alive their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.

As anticipation builds ahead of the encounter, the closed-door sessions underline the seriousness of Nigeria’s approach and the determination within the camp to translate early promise into success in the business end of the tournament.