Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has warned Senegal to brace for a hostile atmosphere when they face hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday (today), insisting the occasion will feel like a demanding away fixture at one of the tournament’s most intimidating venues, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Chelle’s comments followed Nigeria’s semi-final exit from the 2025 AFCON after a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The contest finished goalless after regulation time and extra time, before Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced decisive saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Speaking at the press conference at the Mohammed V Stadium, where Nigeria faced Egypt in the third-place play-off, Chelle reflected on the final between Morocco and Senegal and offered a pointed message to Senegal coach Pape Thiaw.
“I really appreciate both coaches. I don’t really have any advice to give. But I would simply tell Pape of Senegal that he is going to play an away game and that it’s not just any away game,” Chelle said.
“It’s much more than that. The stadium is impressive with the huge crowd. This crowd carries its team. We often say that it plays the role of the twelfth man, but here, it plays more than that.
“Senegal will have to stay focused. I wish both teams good luck, they both deserve to win this trophy. As an African, I am very proud of what they have achieved.”
Chelle admitted his disappointment at falling short of the final but praised his players’ overall campaign.
“To be honest, I’m disappointed to be here because my ambitions for this tournament were much higher. After our defeat to Morocco, I reminded my players to keep their heads up because they had an excellent tournament,” he said.
While Senegal have played all their matches in Tangier so far, Morocco will contest their seventh game in Rabat.
Senegal are set to play in their fourth AFCON final and their first since 2021, while Morocco will appear in their second final and their first since 2004.
