Eric Chelle reveals what Victor Osimhen told him that brought tears at AFCON 2025

Eric Chelle has opened up on a deeply personal exchange with Victor Osimhen that captured the emotional side of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in 2025, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Franco-Malian tactician was appointed head coach of the Super Eagles in January 2025, stepping into what was widely seen as the biggest challenge of his managerial career.

Before taking charge of Nigeria, his only major international experience had come with Mali at AFCON 2023, a background that sparked debate and criticism among some Nigerian football stakeholders.

Chelle spent much of the year preparing the team for two major targets, qualification for the 2026 World Cup and a strong showing at AFCON 2025. While the World Cup dream slipped away, Nigeria arrived at the continental tournament in December determined to restore pride and compete at the highest level.

Under Chelle’s guidance, the Super Eagles played with renewed energy and attacking freedom. Juventus-linked Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman led the charge in front of goal, helping Nigeria progress to the semi-finals in an entertaining run that won praise across the continent.

That journey, however, ended in heartbreak as Nigeria were edged out by host nation Morocco in a tense penalty shootout. Attention then turned to the third-place playoff against Egypt, a match that would become the backdrop for one of Chelle’s most emotional moments in football.

Victor Osimhen and the teary Eric Chelle

Speaking in an interview with RCM Sport, Chelle revealed how his relationship with Osimhen, built on mutual respect, took on a deeper meaning ahead of the playoff clash.

“Before this match (against Egypt), I had a discussion with Victor on the field. I told him that we absolutely had to go for that third place,” Chelle said.

“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.'”

Osimhen’s response, according to Chelle, was both unexpected and overwhelming.

“When I arrived, you were already a great player, I didn’t arrive as a great coach. He (Osimhen) looked at me and said: ‘Coach, maybe you were a small coach, but now you are a great coach.’ At that point, I burst into tears. Honestly, it was hard to go on to training afterwards.”

Nigeria would go on to secure third place after a goalless draw and a 4-2 victory on penalties, ending AFCON 2025 with a place on the podium.

Since the tournament, Osimhen has been vocal in calling for Chelle to be rewarded with a contract extension.

Discussions are now ongoing between the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission and the coach, with all parties reportedly aligned towards a renewed deal and a continued partnership.