Super Eagles assistant captain Victor Osimhen has publicly thrown his support behind Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, calling on the Nigeria Football Federation to give the Franco-Malian tactician time and stability to build a successful national team.
Osimhen’s comments come amid ongoing discussions around Chelle’s future following Nigeria’s third-place finish at AFCON 2025 in Morocco. While opinions remain divided, the Galatasaray striker believes continuity is the key to unlocking the Super Eagles’ full potential.
Long term greatness
Speaking in an interview with TVC, Osimhen made it clear that Chelle’s impact should be judged over the long term, not just short tournament cycles.
“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 pointed to Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 bronze medal as proof that the team is already moving in the right direction, insisting that patience will bring even greater rewards.
"Can we afford a good coach?" ?
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The Home Turf podcast discuss Eric Chelle's future! pic.twitter.com/2WTfzgbEOT
Belief in the squad
Beyond Chelle’s tactical influence, Osimhen also stressed that the Super Eagles are still a team in transition, with more quality yet to come through the ranks.
“There’s really more to come, and I’m happy to be one of the leaders. The Super Eagles really have more in store for themselves and their fans. 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.”
Osimhen believes Nigeria already boasts a strong core while continuing to benefit from young talents emerging across Europe and beyond.
“I think we’ve got a bunch of talent already, and we still have many new players coming up from all around the world.”
?? Tug of war for Eric Chelle!
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Should Nigeria fight to keep him? pic.twitter.com/Fc4AhPoTtF
Dressing room on his side
One of the most telling parts of Osimhen’s backing centred on Chelle’s man-management and relationship with the players. According to the striker, the coach’s balanced approach has created an environment where players are willing to give everything on the pitch.
“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.”
A clear message to the NFF
With contract talks reportedly ongoing, Osimhen’s words represent one of the strongest endorsements yet from within the squad. His message is clear: stability, patience and trust could allow Eric Chelle to build something lasting with the Super Eagles.
As Nigeria continue to await clarity on their World Cup situation and prepare for the next international cycle, the striker’s backing adds weight to the argument that the foundation is already in place – if the NFF choose to commit to it.
