I’ve never experienced a match like that": the Nigerian coach marked by the match against Morocco

Invited to analyze the journey of the Super Eagles, the Franco-Malian technician acknowledged the dominance of the Atlas Lions during the semi-final clash, praising the work of his counterpart Walid Regragui. Chelle admitted that the high pressing and aggression of the hosts had stifled his team, qualifying the Moroccan performance as deserved against a Nigerian team that could not find the solution before the fateful penalty shootout.

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The former defender particularly emphasized the electric atmosphere of the match, admitting he had "never experienced a match like that" in a packed stadium. He explained that he had ruled out the option of a low block for fear of conceding a heavy defeat, conceding that leaving the ball to Morocco in such a context was "madness" given how much the opponent had progressed throughout the tournament.

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Addressing the stormy final won by Senegal, the coach expressed his incomprehension regarding the refereeing, particularly on the management of player substitutions. Without taking sides, he recalled the need to "know the rules and apply them" to avoid any controversy, alluding to the incidents that marred the victory of the Teranga Lions and sparked lively debates.

These tensions have also led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to severely punish the two finalists. The body imposed suspensions and a $700,000 fine on the Senegalese side, while also financially sanctioning the Moroccan federation and two of its players, Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari, to the tune of $400,000.