AFCON 2025: How Osimhen's words moved me to tears – Eric Chelle

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed how a heartfelt exchange with Victor Osimhen left him in tears during the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Chelle recounted that in the build up to Nigeria’s third‑place playoff against Egypt, he urged Osimhen to push for victory despite the forward struggling with injury, expressing his gratitude to the striker for his effort in their run to that stage of the competition. In response, Osimhen showered him with heartwarming words that led to him tearing up.

“I told him that we absolutely had to go for that third place. But I could see that he was injured, that things weren’t going well at all. So I told him: ‘I’m proud of what you’ve done since I took over this team. If you ever need me, whatever happens in your life, you call me, I’ll come,’” Chelle told After Foot RMC.

He said Osimhen responded with words that deeply touched him: “Coach, maybe you were a small coach, but now you are a great coach.”

The coach admitted he burst into tears, describing the moment as one of the most emotional of his career.

Nigeria’s overall campaign at AFCON 2025 was marked by resilience and strong performances. The Super Eagles topped their group with wins over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, before defeating Mozambique 4‑0 in the Round of 16 and Algeria 2‑0 in the quarterfinals.

Their run ended in the semifinals against host nation Morocco, where they lost 4‑2 on penalties after a goalless draw in Rabat.

Nigeria bounced back to secure the bronze medal, beating Egypt 4‑2 on penalties following another 0‑0 draw in Casablanca.

Osimhen, despite battling a hamstring injury, scored four goals and provided two assists across six matches, earning a place in CAF’s Team of the Tournament.