Nigeria advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 with a perfect record from the group stage, but Head Coach Eric Chelle cautioned that such form can lead to complacency.
The Super Eagles began their 2025 AFCON campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tanzania.
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Chelle’s charges then produced a strong showing to see off Tunisia 3-2, taking a three-goal lead before conceding twice late on.
Reflecting on his team’s progression to the knockout rounds, where Nigeria will face one of Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique, the head coach expressed his pride, while insisting they maintain their focus on their upcoming encounter.
He said on Football Fans Tribe: “I am very happy about that [winning all three group stage matches], but I have to stay calm, focused on the next game, I have to analyse this game.
“I have to put the players under pressure because they have to make some great training sessions to prepare for the next game, so I want to stay focused and humble.”
Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika netted a brace in the Uganda win to scoop the Man of the Match Award.
He added on CAF Online: “I feel very happy, and I can’t really explain how I feel at this moment.
“These are moments I’ve been working towards all my life, and I’m happy that things are starting to come under control.
“It feels good, but it’s also tough because of the standards and demands we set in training and in games. Eric Chelle expects a lot from the players, and we push everyone. It’s amazing.”