All eyes are on Rabat and the African Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, this Sunday at 8 p.m. But on Saturday evening, another final was played, usually described as “small” between the two unfortunate semi-finalists. Nigeria took third place after a penalty shootout against Egypt (0-0, 4 tab to 2).
If the match had little sporting interest, apart from an honorary place on the podium, this result mattered greatly to Eric Chelle. The Franco-Malian coach of Nigeria was very moved at the microphone of Canal+ Africa after his team’s victory, thinking about the promise made to his parents. “I told my dad and my mom that I was coming back with the CAN trophy. Dad, mom, sorry, I only come back with third place but it’s already exceptional for me,” he said.
Without third place, “it would have been difficult to continue”
“It’s hard today,” he reacted, his voice feverish and tears in his eyes before pulling himself together. It’s hard but once again I’m proud of my players. They once again showed character against a very good player from Egypt. »
The Franco-Malian coach, appointed to the selection bench in January 2025, also confided that he had considered leaving his post in the event of a defeat in this small final against the Pharaons.
“It’s true that if we hadn’t had this third place, it would have been difficult for me to continue, even as a coach,” he revealed, explaining that his team had been the best during the last two editions of the CAN. “I could have stopped coaching. To do what? I would perhaps have been in the role of technical director, at the level of a nation, to try to instill a philosophy. But once again, the players gave me this great gift, I’m happy.”
