Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed that an emotional exchange with Victor Osimhen brought him to tears during Nigeria’s campaign at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Chelle said the moment occurred ahead of Nigeria’s third-place playoff against Egypt, when he held a private conversation with the former Napoli striker, who was struggling with injury but remained determined to help the team.

According to the coach, he encouraged Osimhen to push on for the bronze medal while also expressing pride in his commitment and sacrifices since he took charge of the team.

“I told him we absolutely had to go for third place, even though I could see he was injured and not feeling well,” Chelle told After Foot RMC. “I told him I was proud of everything he had done for the team and that if he ever needed me in life, I would be there.”

Chelle said Osimhen’s response deeply moved him.

“He told me, ‘Coach, maybe you were a small coach before, but now you are a great coach.’ I couldn’t hold it back. I cried,” he said.

Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign was marked by grit and consistency. The Super Eagles topped their group with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, before recording emphatic wins against Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout stages.

Their title hopes ended in the semifinals after a penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco following a goalless draw in Rabat.

The team, however, bounced back strongly to claim the bronze medal, defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties after another 0-0 draw in Casablanca.

Despite battling a hamstring injury, Osimhen finished the tournament with four goals and two assists in six matches, earning a place in CAF’s Team of the Tournament and further underlining his importance to the Super Eagles. (The Sun, but headline reworked)