Osimhen Backs Eric Chelle for Long-Term Eagles Role

Super Eagles striker and assistant captain, Victor Osimhen, has thrown his weight behind head coach Eric Sekou Chelle, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to offer the Franco-Malian tactician a long-term contract following the team’s bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Speaking in an interview with TVC, the Galatasaray forward expressed strong confidence in Chelle’s tactical philosophy and man-management style, insisting that the coach has the potential to lead the national team to unprecedented heights if given time.

Osimhen praised Chelle’s balanced approach to coaching, noting that he commands the respect of the players without being overbearing.

“The coach is not over-demanding. So, every player is ready to give their best for him. He’s also a very amazing person, and I like him a lot.

“I like his mentality also. He pushes us a lot in training and during the game. Outside the pitch, he embraces us and laughs with us. He is friendly with the players and his coaching staff,” Osimhen said.

Addressing the debate surrounding Chelle’s future after the team’s third-place finish, Osimhen argued that stability is the key to unlocking the squad’s full potential.

“In three, four, or even 10 years, we will see his greatness and, of course, we will achieve more with that,” the 27-year-old stated.

He highlighted that with the current crop of talent and emerging stars, the team is poised for dominance.

“With the kind of players that we currently have, plus those who are still going to come and join us, we will have a better Super Eagles. I think we’ve got a bunch of talent already, and we still have many new players coming up from all around the world,” he added.

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Osimhen’s endorsement comes days after team captain Wilfred Ndidi also called for Chelle’s retention, citing the need for continuity.

Chelle, who took charge in late 2024, guided the team to the semi-finals of the AFCON in Morocco, where they lost on penalties before securing the bronze medal.

Despite mixed reactions from some quarters regarding the failure to reach the final, key figures in the squad believe the foundation being laid by the former Mali manager is solid enough to build a dynasty.

The Super Eagles are now expected to shift focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Chelle likely to lead the charge if the NFF heeds the calls of its star players.