‘Everybody wants to kill me’ – Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle laments pressure at AFCON

Eric Chelle has gone viral after expressing frustration with relentless media pressure at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria national team head coach Éric Chelle has gone viral on social media after a candid moment during an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) media interaction, where he openly expressed exhaustion and frustration with constant scrutiny from journalists.

Eric Chelle will rotate against Uganda.

In a video clip shared on X (formerly Twitter) on January 4, 2026, by sports journalist @Iam_agt, Chelle appeared visibly drained as he spoke to reporters about the relentless demands placed on him during the high-pressure tournament.

The footage, credited to @Isemuan_, has since sparked widespread discussion among football fans across the continent.
What Chelle said

During the interaction, Chelle mixed humour with raw honesty as he lamented the lack of personal time amid the AFCON spotlight.

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

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

Nigeria recorded a flawless performance in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which may place the Super Eagles under pressure as they move into the knockout phase.

The team excelled in the group stage, securing maximum points by defeating Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, to establish themselves as one of the tournament’s favourites.

Super Eagles will now face Mozambique in the round of 16 on Monday.