Osimhen explains why NFF should give Eric Chelle a long-term role

Osimhen explains why NFF should give Eric Chelle a long-term role

Hassan Abdulsalam 10:22 - 08.02.2026

Victor Osimhen urged the NFF to offer Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle a long-term contract.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has thrown his weight behind head coach Eric Chelle, calling on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to offer the Franco-Malian tactician a long-term contract to ensure stability and sustained success for the national team.

Super Eagles ace Victor Osimhen || Image credit: Imago

Osimhen, who served as the Super Eagles’ assistant captain during the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, believed Chelle possesses the tactical intelligence, leadership qualities, and man-management skills needed to guide Nigeria to greater heights if given time.

What Osimhen said

The Galatasaray striker referenced Chelle’s achievement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured a bronze medal, as evidence of the coach’s potential.

“In three, four, or even 10 years, we will see his greatness and, of course, we will achieve more with that,” Osimhen said in an interview with TVC.

The 27-year-old forward also praised the team’s overall performance at the tournament in Morocco, expressing optimism about the future of the Super Eagles with the steady influx of young and emerging talents.

“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 said.

Osimhen emphasised that the team already boasts quality, while more Nigerian talents continue to emerge globally.

“I think we’ve got a bunch of talent already, and we still have many new players coming up from all around the world,” he added.

Highlighting Chelle’s balanced coaching approach, Osimhen noted that the manager’s personality has played a major role in motivating players and fostering unity within the squad.

“The coach is not over-demanding, so every player is ready to give their best for him. He’s also an amazing person. I like his mentality. He pushes us a lot in training and during the game, but outside the pitch, he embraces us and laughs with us.

“He is friendly with the players and his coaching staff, and that makes a big difference,” Osimhen concluded.