Eric Chelle gives injury updates on Nwabali, Onyeka ahead of Uganda clash

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Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has provided updates on the fitness of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and midfielder Frank Onyeka ahead of Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda at the ongoing 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Fes on Monday, Chelle disclosed that both players are nursing injuries picked up during Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday, although the technical crew remains confident of managing the situation.

“Nwabali has a pain in his knee and Frank in his ankle, but we will manage the team. We will have our last training session today, so the most important thing is our state of mind for this game,” the Super Eagles coach told journalists.

Chelle stressed that the team’s mental readiness would be crucial as Nigeria targets a positive result to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stage of the tournament.

The Malian tactician also reiterated his deep commitment to the Super Eagles job, describing it as the most fulfilling role of his coaching career.

“I don’t know (when I finish coaching this team) if I will feel something like that because it is the best job in the world. I am very proud to work for this nation,” he said.

Chelle added that ambition remains high within the camp, noting that both players and coaching staff are fully invested in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.

“We are ambitious every day. The guy I brought to work with me feels the same and wants to die for this nation, so every training session and every speech that I give, I give from my heart, and every goal that we concede, it is like someone beat me,” he stated.

The Super Eagles coach also took time to praise striker Victor Osimhen as the Napoli star marked his birthday, describing him as the best striker in the world and expressing hope that the tournament would be a special one for the forward.

“For me, he is the best striker in the world. He is very good, he is focused, and I hope this AFCON will be a great tournament for him,” Chelle said.

Meanwhile, team captain Wilfred Ndidi said the Super Eagles are in high spirits ahead of the Uganda encounter, adding that the squad remains focused despite already securing qualification for the Round of 16.

Ndidi also expressed joy at scoring his first international goal in years during the win over Tunisia, revealing that his celebration was inspired by memories of Nigerian football legend Kanu Nwankwo, often spoken about by his late father.

“I am very happy about the goal. It’s my first goal after so many years, and about the celebration, it came from the memory of my dad. I remember growing up and my dad talking about Kanu a lot, so when I scored the goal, the celebration just came into my head at that time,” he said.