The Super Eagles have entered the high-stakes territory of the Africa Cup of Nations knockout rounds, where a single mistake can end a nation’s dream. As they trained in Fès, Morocco, on Friday, the atmosphere was one of intense focus, tempered by the practical realities of managing a squad through a grueling tournament.
The Super Eagles during a training session in Fès, Morocco, on Friday evening. (Photo Credit: NAN)
By Victor Okoye
Fès (Morocco), Jan. 2, 2026
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 25 players participated in the session, fine-tuning preparations for their Round of 16 clash against Mozambique’s Mambas this Monday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. This match represents the ultimate test: win or go home.
Navigating the Knockout Injury Minefield
Team Media Officer Promise Efoghe provided a detailed, if concerning, update on the squad’s physical condition—a critical factor that often decides tournaments as much as talent does.
- Ryan Alebiosu (Defender): Attended but did not participate in drills as he continues recovery from a leg injury. His absence tests Nigeria’s defensive depth, especially against a Mozambiquan side known for its pace on the counter-attack.
- Cyriel Dessers (Striker): Ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury. Efoghe confirmed the striker has returned to his club for recovery. This is a significant blow, removing a proven goal threat and tactical option from Coach Eric Chelle’s plans, placing immense pressure on the remaining forwards to deliver.
- Tochukwu Nnadi (Midfielder): Missed training due to illness (a cold). While not a long-term concern, such minor ailments can disrupt midfield cohesion and preparation in the crucial days before a match. His situation is being monitored closely.
These updates underscore a universal truth of AFCON: squad management and the ability to adapt to adversity are as important as the starting eleven.
Chelle’s Knockout Mentality: A Tactical and Psychological Reset
According to Efoghe, Head Coach Eric Chelle has initiated a complete mental reset. The group stage—with its calculations for points and goal difference—is over. The psychology now shifts to a single, 90-minute (or more) battle.
Chelle’s message to the players emphasized three pillars essential for knockout survival:
- Discipline: This extends beyond avoiding cards. It means tactical discipline—maintaining shape, executing the game plan, and avoiding the individual errors that gifted opponents capitalize on.
- Concentration: A momentary lapse can concede a decisive goal. Knockout football demands unwavering focus from every player for the entire duration, especially during set-pieces and transitional moments.
- Intensity: “He reminded them that knockout matches demand total commitment from the first minute,” Efoghe said. The slow starts that might be forgiven in a group game are fatal here. Mozambique will be organized and hungry; Nigeria must match and surpass their energy from the first whistle.
The Mozambique Challenge: More Than Just an Underdog
While Nigeria enters as the favorite, overlooking Mozambique would be perilous. The Mambas, having navigated a tough group to reach this stage, embody the classic AFCON knockout threat: well-organized, physically robust, and playing with the fearless freedom of a team with nothing to lose. Nigeria’s superior individual talent must be harnessed into a collective, disciplined performance to break down such a resilient opponent.
As preparations continue in Fès, the Super Eagles are not just training their bodies but fortifying their minds. The path to AFCON glory is paved with challenges like injuries and tactical puzzles. How Chelle’s reshuffled squad responds on Monday will reveal if they possess the resilience required of champions.
(NAN (www.nannews.ng))
VO/JPE
Edited by Joseph Edeh
