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Meanwhile, with Nigeria in the play off for the remaining place in the World Cup, the ex-Mali coach believes that his side will be a different team in case they overcome their opponents.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has warned his charges against expecting their opponents at the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles are in group C with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania and Chelle says they don’t expect any weak teams.
“At AFCON there are no small teams. It’s a festival and every nation arrives with a real chance,” he told Cafonline.com.
“These teams want to show their progress and their footballing vision. Given our history, our quality of play and the calibre of past and present players, we must deliver a great AFCON,” he added before giving an insight on what to expect from each opponent lauding Uganda as fast improving under coach Paul Put.
“It’s a tough group: Tunisia have had an excellent year; Uganda are improving fast under Paul Put; Tanzania’s domestic league is competitive. We’ll have to be very serious and trust our mindset.”
Meanwhile, with Nigeria in the play off for the remaining place in the World Cup, the ex-Mali coach believes that his side will be a different team in case they overcome their opponents.
“Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches (note: against Gabon on 13 November and, if successful, the final on 16 November).
“If we win the first, we’ll aim for the second, then turn to AFCON. We’re working in parallel, but our mindset must first be on those immediate tests.
“If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult. But there are big teams: Morocco are favourites, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire… nations in top form. Our strength is that the players have suffered, then found a way through. That can really hurt opponents.”
Nigeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 when they beat Paul Put’s Burkina Faso in the final.
