National Teams
Eric Chelle Backed to Lead Super Eagles Into New Era After AFCON Progress
Former Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade has thrown his weight behind Eric Chelle, expressing strong belief that the Super Eagles are on the right path under the Malian tactician and urging football authorities to resist the temptation of another managerial reset.
Nigeria’s prolonged wait for continental glory has stretched beyond a decade, with the Super Eagles last lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.
Since then, moments of promise have often been undermined by inconsistency, a trend worsened by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.
Yet, despite those setbacks, optimism has returned following Chelle’s first full year in charge.
The Super Eagles’ showing at AFCON 2025 in Morocco offered a glimpse of renewal.
Although Nigeria finished with bronze, their dynamic attacking style, defensive organisation, and collective identity earned widespread admiration. The team emerged as the tournament’s top scorers, created more chances than any other side, and had three players named in the official Team of the Tournament.
For Ugbade, a former defender and youth-team coach, those performances signal the early stages of something meaningful — provided patience is applied.
“Football doesn’t work overnight,” Ugbade said in an interview with Brila FM. “You don’t plant today and harvest tomorrow. What Eric Chelle is doing is a process, and you can already see it taking shape.”
According to Ugbade, Chelle inherited a squad short on cohesion but has gradually imposed structure, confidence, and attacking clarity.
“He came in and started polishing the team. In the last few matches, we’ve seen a side with real potential — a team that can compete with the best if it’s allowed to grow properly,” he said.
The Super Eagles’ displays in Morocco drew praise from across the football world. Ivorian legend Yaya Touré described Nigeria as the most impressive side at the tournament, while former captain Sunday Oliseh called it the best Super Eagles team he had seen in two decades.
Despite the progress, Ugbade admits improvements are still required, particularly in defence, but insists those issues are part of normal team development.
“There are areas to fix, especially at the back. The team used to be extremely compact, but now opponents find ways through. These are technical details that can be addressed with time and proper planning,” he explained.
Ugbade’s message to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was unequivocal: continuity must trump impatience.
“The NFF should support this coach, not sack him. The team is beginning to gel. Things are starting to make sense. If the right process is followed, Nigeria will achieve great things.”
Chelle’s progress has not gone unnoticed beyond Nigeria. Reports suggest interest from Tunisia, Angola, and Gabon, with Tunisia believed to be offering the added attraction of a World Cup appearance.
However, both the National Sports Commission and the NFF have indicated their intention to retain Chelle, with discussions ongoing to extend his contract beyond AFCON 2027, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
For a nation longing to reconnect with its footballing identity, the message from one of its former defenders is clear: stability, patience, and belief may finally be steering the Super Eagles toward a brighter future.
