National Teams
“He’ll be very demanding” — Victor Osimhen shares conversation with Eagles coach Eric Chelle
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Victor Osimhen has thrown his full support behind the Super Eagles’ new head coach, Eric Chelle, as the team prepares for a new era ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles will return to action later this month, facing Rwanda and Zimbabwe, with both Osimhen and Chelle making their debuts in the qualifiers.
Osimhen missed the first four games of the campaign due to injury, while Chelle will be taking charge of the team for the first time, succeeding Jose Peseiro and Austine Eguavoen, who handled two games each during the qualifiers.
In a candid conversation with Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi, Osimhen shared his admiration for Chelle’s track record and fiery determination, qualities he believes could elevate the team.
“I know him from the previous AFCON and what he’s done with Mali. He’s a coach that loves to play,” Osimhen said on the ObiOne Podcast.
“He said he might scream at us or do other stuff, but we shouldn’t take it personally because he just wants to win.”
Osimhen went on to emphasize the importance of giving everything for the Super Eagles, a team representing a nation with millions of talented players.
“I totally agree with him. To be able to achieve something, Nigeria is a big country with millions of players. If you are privileged to put on the Super Eagles jersey, you have to give everything,” Osimhen stated.
“So, I think we’ve got a coach that is going to be very, very demanding.”
Osimhen’s praise for Chelle hints the high expectations for the team as they begin this new chapter under the Malian coach’s leadership.
