Eric Chelle singles out three Super Eagles standout performers at AFCON 2025

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has praised defenders Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel for their top displays against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria’s journey at the AFCON ended in agony on January 14, as the Super Eagles were edged out by tournament hosts Morocco in a tense semi-final decided by penalties.

The three-time winners had gone into the contest determined to contain the hosts who boast one of the tournament’s most fluid sides, and the plan largely worked in defensive terms. However, it came at a heavy cost going forward. Nigeria managed only two shots across 120 minutes, their lowest attacking output of the competition, as Morocco dominated possession and territory.

“If I have to choose the best CB in the AFCON, I will say Calvin Bassey.”

Éric Chelle wants Calvin Bassey to be among the top 3 best centre backs in the world by the end of next season. pic.twitter.com/QBXDRNQPa1

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 16, 2026

With Alex Iwobi crowded out of midfield and attacking leaders Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman isolated for long spells, clear chances were rare. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou ultimately proved decisive, denying spot-kicks from Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze to send the Atlas Lions through to the final.

Yet while the result was cruel, Nigeria’s resilience at the back earned admiration, none more so than from head coach Eric Chelle.

Eric Chelle applauds defensive heroes after AFCON thriller

Speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, Chelle was quick to expand the list of standout performers after a presenter highlighted Calvin Bassey’s commanding display in central defence.

“Calvin, you have the left-back Bruno Onyemaechi, who was having a great game. You have the right-back Bright, who was also impressive,” Chelle said.

“These players may have lost, but they gave everything. The question was whether I should stick to the original game plan or try to make changes and wait for them.

“But I wasn’t convinced that waiting would prevent us from conceding two or three goals.

“The stadium was full of spectators, it was madness. I had never experienced a match like this before; it was incredible.”I wasn’t convinced that holding back would spare us further suffering, so we tried to press. But if you look at the match, after fifteen minutes, we couldn’t press effectively.”

Following the heartbreaking semifinal loss to Morocco, Nigeria defeated Egypt in the third place playoff to finish with a bronze medal.