Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has lauded tactician Eric Chelle’s courage in taking up the Nigerian coaching job at a time when failure seems certain, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria had endured a miserable start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, failing to win any of their first four matches. With three points from a possible 12, the campaign appeared to be slipping away. Confidence was shaken, the football was disjointed, and the managerial seat had become a revolving door.
José Peseiro stepped aside after AFCON 2023, while his successor Finidi George resigned just weeks into the job. Both men presided over Nigeria’s early qualifying struggles, heightening uncertainty around the future of the team.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) even came close to appointing German coach Bruno Labbadia, only for the deal to collapse at the final moment. In those tense days, the national team seemed to be drifting toward a failed campaign.
A risk few would take but Eric Chelle did
Into that uncertainty stepped Eric Chelle, the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles. His appointment in January was bold, unconventional, and, to many, a gamble. But the gamble has paid off handsomely.
Since taking charge, Chelle has turned Nigeria into one of the most consistent teams in the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles have gone unbeaten under his watch, collecting five wins and two draws to advance to the final stage of the World Cup playoffs.
His tactical clarity, calm demeanour, and ability to restore confidence have not gone unnoticed. Speaking after Nigeria’s emphatic 4-1 win over Gabon on Thursday night, Mutiu Adepoju praised the coach’s bravery and impact.
“I think Chelle has done a great job. When he was employed, the situation we were at that moment, no coach would have taken the job,” Adepoju said, as per The Punch.
“He came and took the job, and he is pulling his weight and putting everything in good perspective, and we are seeing good games with the Super Eagles. He deserves accolades and all our praise. He is really doing a great job.”
Nigeria now stand one game away from reaching the intercontinental playoffs. Victory against DR Congo in Sunday’s final would keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico firmly alive.
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Nigeria vs DR Congo: Referee appointments confirmed
Ahead of the decisive fixture, Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been appointed to officiate the match.
Jayed is familiar to Nigerian fans, having overseen the Super Eagles’ 2-0 win over Rwanda in March, a game in which Victor Osimhen scored twice.
He will be assisted by compatriots Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Bernissi, while Tunisia’s Mahrez El Malki serves as fourth official. VAR duties will be handled by Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham and Tunisia’s Haitham Guirat.