“If we can’t win, don’t lose” – Super Eagles star opens up on Chelle’s winning formula

Nigeria’s vice-captain Moses Simon has lifted the lid on why the Super Eagles have become one of the hardest teams to beat since Eric Chelle took charge, Afrik-Foot reports.

The winger was speaking after Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Iran in an invitational tournament in Turkey, a game in which he opened the scoring before the team sealed victory late on.

That result extended the Super Eagles’ remarkable run under Chelle, with the team yet to lose a match in open play since his appointment in January 2025.

Across 19 matches, Nigeria have recorded 13 wins and six draws, clear evidence of a growing sense of control and consistency. Simon believes Chelle’s magic wand is rooted in discipline, intensity and a clear tactical identity.

“I think it’s largely down to how we approach games under him,” Simon told OGN.

“The system requires everyone to be involved defensively and when we go on the offensive it’s the same team. His philosophy is if we can’t win it then don’t lose. Almost impossible to play for his team if you are not aggressive and also lack intensity.

“Regardless of who we play we usually have four forwards on the pitch in his preferred diamond. It’s an exclusive edge to press high which he always demand from all of us.”

Simon, now one of the most experienced players in the squad with 96 caps, has become central to Chelle’s system. The coach has repeatedly praised his work rate and ability to stretch play from wide areas, qualities that have helped Nigeria press high and recover the ball quickly.

Chelle’s impact and Super Eagles’ steady rise

Since taking charge, Chelle has quietly reshaped the Super Eagles into a well-drilled and tactically flexible side. His record shows a 66.7% win rate, strong defensive numbers, and a team that rarely loses control of matches.

At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria finished third after a run of five straight wins, only falling short in the semi-finals via penalties. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Chelle guided the team from a difficult position into the playoff spots, going unbeaten in six matches before a penalty defeat to DR Congo ended their hopes.

Defensively, the improvement has been clear. Nigeria conceded just 9 goals in Chelle’s first 15 competitive matches, while still carrying a threat going forward. Tactically, the French-Malian coach has favoured a 4-4-2 diamond, built on midfield control and aggressive pressing. However, he has also shown flexibility, switching to a 4-3-3 when needed to get the best out of wide players like Simon.

The recent win over Iran offered another glimpse of that balance; structured without the ball, but quick and direct when attacking.

Nigeria will now face Jordan in their next match on Tuesday, with the chance to extend their unbeaten run further.