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AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Eric Chelle Hails Morocco Coach Walid Regragui Ahead of Semi-Final Showdown

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6 hours ago

4:17 pm

AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Eric Chelle Hails Morocco Coach Walid Regragui Ahead of Semi-Final Showdown

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has praised Morocco’s Walid Regragui, describing the Atlas Lions boss as a “fantastic” coach ahead of their highly anticipated semi-final clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Super Eagles will face tournament hosts Morocco next week in a high-stakes encounter as both sides battle for a place in the final.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Chelle highlighted Regragui’s tactical acumen and meticulous preparation, admitting his admiration for the work done by the Moroccan coach.

“The coach (Regragui) is fantastic and has great players, and I think he has prepared very well for the Africa Cup of Nations,” Chelle said.

“You can’t imagine the work that goes into preparing for the CAN. I take my hat off to him. For example, the coach analyses matches of all the teams participating in the CAN, which means analysing more than 100 matches.”

Chelle also acknowledged Morocco’s quality and their deserved progression to the semi-finals, noting that the contest promises to be a clash of two top sides.

“Morocco qualified for the semi-finals, and they deserve it. I am very happy for him and his team,” he added.

“It will be a great match between two great teams, and the best team will win. I am proud to face such a great coach because he truly is a great coach.”

The Nigerian tactician further emphasized the unique pressure faced by Regragui, who is leading the Atlas Lions on home soil.

“Try to put yourselves in the shoes of a national team coach playing the Africa Cup of Nations in his own country,” Chelle said.

The AFCON 2025 semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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