AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Go Behind Closed Doors Ahead of Tunisia Showdown

The Super Eagles will train behind closed doors on Thursday as preparations intensify for their crucial Group C clash against Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria will face the Carthage Eagles on Saturday in Fès, in what is shaping up to be one of the most important fixtures of the group stage. Both teams come into the encounter level on three points after winning their opening matches.

Following Tuesday night’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania, the Super Eagles had a light recovery session on Wednesday. However, head coach Éric Chelle is now stepping up preparations, opting for a closed training session to ensure total focus and tactical discipline.

The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that the session will take place at the Sardienne Complex in Fès, adding that Chelle wants maximum concentration from his players ahead of the high-stakes encounter.

While Thursday’s session will be strictly private, the first 15 minutes of Friday’s training will be open to the media.

Opinion: Focus as Nigeria’s Quiet Advantage

Chelle’s decision to shut the doors to the media at this stage sends a clear message: preparation, not noise, will define Nigeria’s approach to Tunisia. In tournament football, attention to detail often makes the difference, and this move suggests a coach keen on fine-tuning tactics away from distractions.

With Tunisia known for their organization and discipline, Nigeria will need clarity in shape, sharp transitions, and composure in key moments. Closed sessions allow for honest conversations, tactical adjustments, and unity—elements that rarely show up in headlines but often decide matches.

As Saturday approaches, the Super Eagles appear to be embracing a professional, business-like mindset. And sometimes, silence is exactly what a team needs before making the loudest statement on the pitch.