TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON: Éric Chelle's perspective on the future

The TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is not just a competition for young talent; it's a laboratory for the future. And among the most attentive observers is Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle who is closely monitoring the Nigerian U-20 side.

Chelle, speaking to CAFOnline expressed his views of the competition and applauded the Nigerians for progressing to the next stage.

"I'm very happy with our U20 team's qualification. It wasn't an easy match, because we were up against a very good team (Kenya). We reacted in this match. Every time we conceded a goal, the team responded well."

The performance wasn't perfect, Chelle knows. He bluntly points to a physical deficit. "I felt we were a little tired. "It's true that we struggled with our attacking play, but it was a very interesting match to watch." 

Adding to his views on qualification, the coach emphasised that the importance of this tournament goes far beyond results.

"U20 are 19-year-olds, 18-year-olds. These are players who, in a year, or even two years, will be in their country's senior national team. There are good players in this team, there are some in the Kenyan team too. I think it's good to come and watch”, says the former Mali coach.

What has impressed Chelle even more is the overall framework in which young players are evolving today. The former defender, now a renowned technician, is full of praise for the CAF

"I was very pleased to see CAF technicians in the stands analysing the matches. I think CAF is trying to progress, to bring things that are helping our football in Africa to progress."

For Chelle, these developments are shaping a more credible, more modern, and above all, more ambitious African football.

"We have to make sure we have very strong football, so that we become the number one."

While the Nigerian U-20s may not yet possess the collective rigor of a seasoned team, they have already awakened the pride of a demanding coach.