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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is facing a big decision over the future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle after leading players threw their weight behind the Malian following Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle went into the tournament under heavy pressure after failing to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But he steadied the team at AFCON, guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish and a narrow semi-final exit to hosts Morocco on penalties. The performance has reopened the debate over whether the 48-year-old should be kept in the job.
Several senior players believe the team is moving in the right direction and want the NFF to resist another change.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi made a clear case for stability, saying: “For continuity, I feel like they should keep the coach because he is a wonderful manager; the only thing we need in this team is continuity. We should not change things now because we did not make it to the final; we should remain focused because there are so many competitions ahead.”
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi also pointed to the atmosphere Chelle has built in the squad. “I feel like the difference is the sense of brotherhood, the family environment that we have created for each other. It starts from the coach – he has brought that brotherhood,” he said.
Brentford’s Frank Onyeka went even further, praising both the tactical work and the man-management, in a chat with Oma Akatugba.
“I think it was a process. When Eric Chelle took charge, you could see what he wanted to do, his game plan and tactics,” he said, before adding: “Eric Chelle is a good man, he’s a lovely man, a nice guy… A lot of the players love him so much.
“Don’t let him go, because having him as a manager is one of the best things that has happened since I joined the national team.”
Support has also come from former internationals Azubuike Egwuekwe and Etim Esin, who argued that the team clearly improved at AFCON and that Chelle deserves more time.
“The coach does not deserve to be sacked after this tournament. At least we all saw the team play better under him. They were unlucky at this AFCON, but I believe he can build something special if he is left in charge,” said former SuperSport midfielder, Egwuekwe.
“I was disappointed we won bronze at the AFCON, but I won’t blame the coach. We all saw what happened at this AFCON with our performances, and we saw the desperation of the hosts, but coaching wasn’t a real problem,” Esin added.
Nigeria will now turn their focus to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, which begin in September 2026, with the NFF expected to make a final call on Chelle’s future before then.
