AFCON 2025: Chelle Explains Injury Concerns Fatigue And Midfield Challenges For Super Eagles Stars

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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shared fresh insight into the physical setbacks and tactical difficulties encountered by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Raphael Onyedika during Nigeria’s run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

According to Chelle, Victor Osimhen featured throughout the competition while coping with a hamstring problem that required constant supervision from the team’s medical crew.

Even with that limitation, the Galatasaray forward still emerged as one of the tournament’s top performers. He registered four goals and two assists across six games, performances that earned him inclusion in the Confederation of African Football’s official Team of the Tournament.

Osimhen was able to complete the full duration in just two of Nigeria’s matches—against Tunisia and Algeria—as tight scheduling and minimal recovery windows began to affect the squad’s physical sharpness, especially toward the latter stages.

Chelle explained that the team’s demanding travel schedule added to their fatigue. After facing Algeria in Marrakesh, the squad returned to Fez before heading to Rabat, where they had to play again within 48 hours without access to advanced recovery equipment like a cryotherapy chamber.

He noted that recovery became extremely challenging, stressing that at elite level competitions, small details such as travel, rest time, and training load can significantly influence performance. With only limited recovery sessions between fixtures, the players gradually showed signs of exhaustion.

The coach further clarified the seriousness of Osimhen’s condition, revealing that the striker competed despite a minor hamstring tear that had to be carefully managed as the tournament progressed.

Chelle also mentioned that fatigue affected several players during matches, pointing out instances where tiredness led to lost possession and reduced effectiveness on the pitch.

During the tournament, Osimhen captained Nigeria in games against Uganda and Morocco. However, he did not feature in the third-place playoff against Egypt, though he was still listed in the matchday squad.

Attention also turned to Ademola Lookman, whose early performances were outstanding but eventually impacted by physical strain. Chelle explained that the winger began the season with limited playing time, which later influenced his endurance levels as the competition advanced.

Lookman was one of Nigeria’s most decisive attackers in the group stage, contributing goals, assists, and constant forward runs that boosted the team’s offensive threat.

As the knockout rounds approached, however, signs of fatigue became more noticeable. While he remained physically capable, his intensity slightly dipped, and the coaching staff sensed the growing tiredness within the squad.

His impressive AFCON displays later earned him a transfer to Atlético Madrid, where he made an immediate impact by scoring and assisting on his debut.

Chelle also assessed Raphael Onyedika’s challenging performance during Nigeria’s semifinal clash with Morocco, where he stepped in for suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi. The Club Brugge midfielder found it difficult to impose control as Morocco dominated possession.

The coach emphasized that Ndidi and Onyedika possess contrasting tactical attributes. Ndidi typically provides strong ball-winning presence and defensive security, while Onyedika is more suited to structured systems that rely on positioning, passing lanes, and mid-block organization.

Although Onyedika struggled compared to Ndidi in that encounter, Chelle still praised his tactical awareness and overall quality, describing him as an intelligent midfielder with significant potential.

Nigeria ultimately ended their AFCON campaign on a positive note, claiming the bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time, concluding a demanding yet memorable tournament journey for the Super Eagles.