The Moroccan team, which qualified for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, fully deserves its victory against Nigeria, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle said on Wednesday in Rabat.
Speaking at the press conference following the semi-final won by the Atlas Lions on penalties (4–2) after a 0–0 draw at the end of extra time, Chelle stated that "it is tough to lose on penalties. We must accept this defeat and continue working.”
"We had a good mindset. We knew the match would not be easy,” he noted, adding that "the game was a real battle.”
After pointing out that Moroccan players applied strong pressure on the Nigerian side, Chelle emphasized that his team had trained well for the penalty shootout and that the players chosen to take the kicks were the most suitable.
"We missed some chances and lost a lot of balls. We were tired,” he admitted.
"I am disappointed with the result of this match but proud of my players. We must stay focused on our classification match against Egypt,” he continued.
The Super Eagles coach, who congratulated Morocco for the "exceptional organization” of AFCON 2025, said he was proud of the African coaches whose teams reached the semi-finals.
"I am very happy for Walid Regragui. It is beneficial for Africa. It is a great Africa Cup,” he concluded.