“Everybody Wants To Kill Me” – Eric Chelle Goes Viral Over AFCON Media Pressure

Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign has been flawless on the pitch, but off it, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is feeling the full weight of the spotlight.

The Nigerian tactician went viral on social media after a candid and emotional moment during a media interaction at AFCON 2025, where he openly expressed frustration with the constant pressure and scrutiny from journalists.

“They Don’t Want Me To Rest” – Chelle Speaks Out

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on January 4, 2026 by sports journalist @Iam_agt, Chelle appeared visibly exhausted as he addressed reporters. The clip, originally credited to @Isemuan_, quickly gained traction across the continent.

Mixing humour with honesty, Chelle said:

“Everybody wants to kill me. They don’t want me to rest a little.”

He continued:

“They don’t want me to go back to the hotel to eat, to sleep, to analyse my game.”

The remarks struck a chord with fans and observers, many of whom sympathised with the realities of coaching a high-profile national team during a major tournament.

Pressure Mounts Despite Perfect Group Stage

Ironically, Chelle’s outburst comes at a time when Nigeria have been near-perfect on the field. The Super Eagles swept through the group stage with maximum points, defeating Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, firmly establishing themselves as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

However, even with Nigeria winning all three games, Chelle has faced criticism — particularly over the team’s nervy final 15 minutes against Tunisia and his decision to rotate the squad heavily against Uganda.

Success, it seems, has only intensified expectations.

Eyes On Mozambique As Knockout Football Begins

With the group stage behind them, Nigeria now face Mozambique in the Round of 16 on Monday — a match that will test not just tactical discipline, but mental resilience.

Chelle has repeatedly emphasised the importance of recovery, preparation, and focus on the “collective project,” but the viral clip highlights the unseen strain that comes with leading one of Africa’s most scrutinised football nations.

As the knockout rounds begin, the question is no longer whether Nigeria can win — but whether Chelle can find breathing space in a tournament where every move is magnified.

---

Want to advertise with us?
📩 Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

For more AFCON stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and elite football coverage, stay with Sports Market International — where the game meets perspective.