Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has maintained that the Super Eagles remain fully focused on their on-field objectives despite reports of off-field distractions ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash with Algeria.
The three-time African champions cruised into the last eight with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the Fez Stadium, with Victor Osimhen grabbing a brace.
However, reports soon emerged of unrest in the Super Eagles’ camp, including an alleged altercation between the Galatasaray striker and Ademola Lookman, as well as claims of players threatening to boycott training over unpaid bonuses.
Regardless, the Franco-Malian tactician stressed that his squad are in high spirits and fully concentrated on securing a place in the semi-finals.
“My job is to try to stay focused about only what happens on the pitch and not outside,” Chelle told the media per
“If you have other questions about things outside the pitch, you have to ask my federation. My responsibility is on things that happen on the pitch.
“The group has to stay with big solidarity. You can talk about the state of mind, which is the most important thing.
“This is the quarterfinal in a big competition, your state of mind and mindset is very important. Because you have to manage the pressure, you have to manage the opponent and do what your coach asks you.
“We do that every training session and that is why every time I talk about the training session. Our state of mind is good. Physically we are ready, tactically I have to make some choices and technically we are ready too.”
The clash with Algeria is a repeat of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, when Riyad Mahrez’s late strike knocked Nigeria out of the tournament.
While the Super Eagles arrive as the highest-scoring side at this year’s competition, Vladimir Petkovic’s Algeria have been equally impressive at the other end of the pitch, conceding just once so far.
Chelle is therefore bracing himself for a tough and finely balanced contest in Marrakech.
