“Don’t let him go” – AFCON silver medallist warns NFF against parting with Eric Chelle

Obi Donald

4 hours ago

Days after Wilfred Ndidi urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to keep Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles’ head coach, another Nigerian player has joined the charade, Soccernet.ng reports.

AFCON 2023 silver medallist Frank Onyeka has credited the Franco-Malian for the brilliant football Nigeria played at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, and wants him to continue as the Super Eagles coach.

Chelle took over the coaching role in January 2025 and has drilled his philosophy into the three-time AFCON Champions.

Away from his tactical prowess, it appears the players heed to the man-management of the former RC Lens defender, hence the continual shower of praise on Chelle.

Noussair Mazraoui and Frank Onyeka in the AFCON semi-final match between Nigeria vs Morocco at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Morocco. Copyright: ImagoxOumaimaxSouaidix

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AFCON 2025: Frank Onyeka warns NFF against parting with Eric Chelle

Several notable names mentioned the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2025 played some of the best football they’ve seen Nigeria play for over 20 years, Sunday Oliseh included.

However, Frank Onyeka mentioned the process didn’t start in Morocco, revealing Chelle deserves credit for the progress he’s made with the team.

“I think it was a process. When Eric Chelle took charge, you could see what he wanted to do, his game plan and tactics,” the ex-FC Midtjylland midfielder said in an interview with Oma Akatugba.

Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka and Onyemaechi Bruno celebrate a goal during the AFCON match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Tunisia on December 27th, 2025, at Complexe Sportif De Stade, Morocco. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago

Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka and Onyemaechi Bruno, celebrate goal during the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Tunisia — Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka and Onyemaechi Bruno celebrate a goal during the AFCON match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Tunisia on December 27th, 2025, at Complexe Sportif De Stade, Morocco. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago

“As time went on, we blended, we knew each other, and that was why we played well at the AFCON, especially on the ball.

“When I hear that this is the best we’ve played in so many years, dominating every team, it means the team did well.

“Eric Chelle is a good man, he’s a lovely man, a nice guy. He’s someone you feel comfortable around, and he tries to give you comfort.

Eric Chelle looks on during the Africa Cup of Nations match between Mozambique and Nigeria at Fes Stadium on January 5, 2026, in Fes, Morocco. Photo by Thor Wegner/DeFodi ImagesxImago

“Having him as a coach is something I feel about, it’s good working with him, he’s very open-minded and gives everyone the opportunity they deserve

“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,” Onyeka concluded.

Eric Chelle of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda. Photo by Akpan Nsidibe Copyright: IMAGO

Onyeka has scored three goals in 41 appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and is keen on nailing a first-team berth at the Gtech Community Stadium after the AFCON 2025 tournament.