Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle has sidestepped the controversy surrounding team star Victor Osimhen and unpaid bonuses, opting to focus on their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria.
Chelle refused to comment on reports that Osimhen was furious with teammate Ademola Lookman after an on-field argument during their 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16. The incident allegedly occurred when Lookman tried scoring instead of setting up Osimhen for another goal, sparking a heated exchange between the two players.
However, Chelle downplayed the drama, emphasizing that his team is united and focused on winning the title for Nigeria. He praised the chemistry between Osimhen and Lookman, saying they are "brothers" off the pitch as well.
The reports of unpaid bonuses have also cast a shadow over the team's preparations, with some players reportedly threatening not to train or travel to Marrakesh unless they receive their agreed payment. However, Chelle has urged reporters to direct such questions to the Nigeria Football Federation instead.
Nigeria's bid for the title has been overshadowed by internal strife and external pressures, including Algeria's history of success against them. The Super Eagles will face a tough test in Morocco, but Chelle remains confident in his team's abilities.
Chelle refused to comment on reports that Osimhen was furious with teammate Ademola Lookman after an on-field argument during their 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16. The incident allegedly occurred when Lookman tried scoring instead of setting up Osimhen for another goal, sparking a heated exchange between the two players.
However, Chelle downplayed the drama, emphasizing that his team is united and focused on winning the title for Nigeria. He praised the chemistry between Osimhen and Lookman, saying they are "brothers" off the pitch as well.
The reports of unpaid bonuses have also cast a shadow over the team's preparations, with some players reportedly threatening not to train or travel to Marrakesh unless they receive their agreed payment. However, Chelle has urged reporters to direct such questions to the Nigeria Football Federation instead.
Nigeria's bid for the title has been overshadowed by internal strife and external pressures, including Algeria's history of success against them. The Super Eagles will face a tough test in Morocco, but Chelle remains confident in his team's abilities.
. People are so caught up in the drama with Osimhen and Lookman that they're forgetting about the big picture. The team's performance on the pitch is all that matters, not their personal squabbles 
. Chelle seems like a level-headed guy who knows how to keep things under control, and if he says his team is united, I believe him 
. The fact that some players are threatening to boycott training or travel unless they get paid on time? Give me a break 
. It's just another example of players thinking they're above the game 
. But at the end of the day, it's gonna come down to the team's will to win, and I got my money on them 
. Bring it on against Algeria! 
I'm actually kinda surprised coach Eric Chelle is choosing to ignore the drama between Osimhen and Lookman, especially with some players threatening not to participate if their bonuses aren't sorted out. It feels like it could be a major distraction for them going into this quarterfinal against Algeria 
. But at the same time, it's great that he's keeping things united and focused on winning the title for Nigeria 
. And can we talk about how much I love the term "brothers" - it's like they're really a tight unit off the pitch too 
? It's gonna be a tough match against Algeria, but if anyone can bring home that trophy, it's gotta be the Super Eagles 
meanwhile unpaid bonuses are a huge issue and players r threatening not to show up if they don't get paid 
Algeria's got nothing on us 
but Chelle's optimism is inspiring 
. ERIC CHELLE SEEMS LIKE A GOOD GUY, KEEPING THE TEAM TOGETHER AND ALL THAT, BUT REALLY, WHO WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT THAT WHEN YOU COULD BE TALKING ABOUT THE MATCH?! 
️! AND LET'S BE REAL, ALGERIA IS TOUGH ONCE AGAIN... BUT I'VE GOT FAITH IN THE SUPER EAGLES 
Nigeria needs to get their acts together, not just in football but with those unpaid bonuses too 
. I mean, if they can't even agree on who scores the goals, how are they gonna work together to win the tournament? 
. If players like Osimhen and Lookman aren't happy with their teammates and the management, it's gonna be tough for them to focus on the game 
.
. They must be getting so much pressure from the players and the fans, but they're not even getting a straight answer from Chelle 
Bad news overload incoming 
. And don't even get me started on those unpaid bonuses 
. Super Eagles are in for a rough ride... 
. I'm still gonna root for them to win though 
!
But at the same time, Chelle seems really confident and stuff, so maybe everything will work out in the end 
. Can they please just win this thing already?! 
i feel bad for victor osimhen, he seems like such a talented player, and ademola lookman too. let's hope eric chelle can get his team to put all this drama behind them and just enjoy the tournament. algeria's history of success against nigeria is no joke, but i still think nigeria has what it takes to win it all. 
Interesting how some players are threatening not to train unless they get their pay