AFCON 2025: Keeping Eric Chelle is now a National priority: Super Eagles have found 'The One'

The debate surrounding Eric Chelle's future with the Super Eagles has transcended the boundaries of typical managerial discourse in Nigerian football.

As the Franco-Malian tactician prepares to lead his side into a semi-final showdown against Morocco, a compelling consensus should be: his retention represents a matter of national sporting importance, independent of tonight's outcome.

Since assuming the reins in January 2025, Chelle has orchestrated a transformation that extends far beyond mere results. The Super Eagles, historically characterised by defensive pragmatism and cautious build-up play, have evolved into a devastating offensive force that has captured the imagination of African football fans and followers.

The numbers tell a remarkable story. Nigeria has found the net 14 times across five matches at AFCON 2025, establishing the highest scoring rate in the tournament. This achievement places them within striking distance of the continental record, a mere two goals shy of equalling the 16-goal benchmark set by Cote d'Ivoire during their 2008 campaign.

But what distinguishes Chelle's approach is not simply the volume of goals, but the systematic manner in which they have been produced. His tactical blueprint, a fluid 4-3-1-2 diamond formation that transitions seamlessly into a 4-3-3, has solved a puzzle that confounded his predecessors: how to simultaneously maximise the considerable attacking talents Nigeria has led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Where previous coaches struggled to accommodate these attacking assets, Chelle has created a cohesive system in which all three flourish.

The statistical foundation supporting Chelle's candidacy extends beyond offensive metrics. His record in competitive fixtures remains untarnished in regulation time, the Super Eagles have not experienced defeat across 90 minutes since his appointment. This includes a flawless five-match winning streak at the current tournament, featuring authoritative victories over established continental powers Tunisia and Algeria.

His broader record is equally impressive: 11 victories, five draws, and a solitary defeat, which came in a friendly encounter against Egypt in the build-up to AFCON 2025. The team currently leads AFCON 2025 in Expected Goals with 12.8 and has created 26 Big Chances, both tournament-high figures that show the sustainability of their attacking ability.

Perhaps Chelle's most underappreciated contribution has been his stewardship of squad harmony during turbulent circumstances. Nigerian football has long been plagued by off-field distractions, yet the current coach has demonstrated exceptional crisis management capabilities.

When players threatened to boycott training on January 7th amid a bonus payment dispute with the Nigerian Football Federation, Chelle positioned himself as the critical mediator. His intervention prevented a potential catastrophe that could have derailed the entire campaign, maintaining squad focus ahead of a crucial fixture.

Similarly, when tensions erupted between Osimhen and Lookman during a match, Chelle addressed the situation with discretion and professionalism. The matter was resolved internally, and the two stars subsequently combined to produce a goal within days, an evidence of the coach's man-management acumen.

Senior players have responded enthusiastically to his leadership. Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze have both publicly commended his clear tactical vision and the defined roles he has established for every squad member, suggesting a level of organisational clarity that has been absent in previous regimes.

Nigeria's recent history serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of constant coaching changes. The revolving door featuring Jose Peseiro, Augustine Eguavoen, and Finidi George over the past three years created discontinuity that undermined long-term planning and tactical coherence.

Chelle represents the first genuine opportunity for sustained stability in nearly a decade. His system is demonstrably taking shape, and the team's identity is becoming increasingly defined. Terminating his tenure now, particularly after reaching a semi-final and modernising the squad's playing style, would risk returning Nigerian football to a state of administrative dysfunction precisely as preparations for the 2027 AFCON cycle should be accelerating.

The urgency surrounding Chelle's contract situation must be intensified following recent interest from rival nations. Reports indicate that Tunisia, who suffered a painful defeat against Nigeria in Morocco, have prepared an offer worth $100,000 monthly, double his current compensation, to lead their World Cup qualification campaign. Angola has reportedly expressed similar interest in substantially improving upon his existing $50,000 monthly salary.

While Chelle's contract includes an extension clause triggered by reaching the semi-finals, i believe the Nigerian Football Federation must move beyond a standard extension and present a comprehensive long-term package that reflects both his achievements and market value.

. Chelle will navigate the absence of captain Wilfred Ndidi through suspension and has indicated potential tactical adjustments, possibly employing a lower defensive block to manage player fatigue against the tournament hosts.

Yet my argument for his retention transcends any single result. Whether Nigeria advances to the final or exits tonight, Chelle has established foundational elements that warrant continuation: a coherent tactical identity, statistical excellence, effective crisis management, and the respect of his players.

The question facing Nigerian football administrators is whether they possess the vision to prioritise long-term stability over reactive decision-making.

In Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles may have finally discovered the sustained leadership that has eluded them for over a decade. Securing his future represents not merely a contractual matter, but a strategic imperative for this country seeking to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of African football.