Nigeria Coach: 'I Love Regragui and Thiaw, Can't Advise Them Before Final; I Support Both'

Nigeria coach Eric Shell expressed his pride in the level African football has reached, following the qualification of Morocco and Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final.

Shell conveyed his delight at the achievement of national coach Walid Regragui, as well as Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, stating: "I am very happy for Walid, even though it hurts me a little, and I am also very happy for Pape Thiaw, he too deserves to be in the final."

Speaking about potential advice for the two national team coaches ahead of the final match, Shell said: "I support both teams, so I cannot offer them any advice."

He concluded: "I wish both teams good luck; both deserve to win this competition, and I am very proud of what they have achieved."

It is worth noting that Nigeria will face Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff match on Saturday (17:00 GMT+1), while the final between Morocco and Senegal will take place this Sunday (20:00 GMT+1).