Victor Osimhen Moves Eric Chelle to Tears During AFCON 2025 — Coach Reveals

The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has talked about a tearful conversation he had with Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco.

On RMC Sport’s After Foot, Chelle remembered a touching chat she had with the striker during Osimhen’s injury struggles, just before Nigeria’s third-place playoff match against Egypt.

“I informed him that we had to aim for third place at all costs. However, it was evident to me that he was hurt and that nothing was going smoothly. “I am proud of what you have accomplished since I took over this team,” I said to him. Whatever happens in your life, you can contact me and I’ll come if you ever need me,” Chelle replied.

He said he was moved to tears by Osimhen’s response and called it one of the most emotional moments in his coaching career.

“Coach, you may have been a small coach, but now you are a great coach,” Chelle added after he gave me a glance. I started crying then. To be honest, continuing with training after that was challenging.

Osimhen put up a tremendous performance, scoring four goals and dishing out two assists in six games, while suffering a hamstring ailment throughout the tournament. He was selected for the CAF Team of the Tournament as a result of his performances.

Nigeria had a continuous successful run at AFCON 2025.

The Super Eagles defeated Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda to win their group. They then defeated Algeria 2-0 in the quarterfinals and swept over Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16.

Following a goalless 120 minutes in Rabat, Nigeria fell to home country Morocco on penalties, ending their campaign.

After a further 0-0 stalemate in Casablanca, the team rebounded by defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the bronze.