He deserves a lot of praise — Iwobi hails Eric Chelle for bringing Super Eagles together

Nigeria’s heartbreaking failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup meant the Super Eagles entered the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under a cloud of disappointment.

However, head coach Eric Chelle found the right frmula to transform low expectations into an outstanding attacking and defensive display in Morocco.

Nigeria stormed through the group and knockout stages with five consecutive victories, showcasing a revitalizsed squad that blended diaspora talent with homegrown stars.

Chelle’s tactical masterstroke was a settled midfield diamond, which unleashed the trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, while allowing Alex Iwobi to flourish in a settled midfield role.

While their dream run ended in a tense semi-final penalty shootout against Morocco, the team bounced back emphatically. A penalty victory over Egypt in the third-place playoff secured the bronze medal, a commendable achievement given the pre-tournament turmoil.

Reflecting on the campaign in his AFCON diaries, Alex Iwobi credited Chelle for the squad's resurgence.

"The coach (Eric Chelle) has done a lot for us, everybody worked hard for him; when he gave his last speech, he got emotional," Iwobi shared.

"He deserves a lot of praise, he got the team together, big chemistry."

Nigeria will undoubtedly be disappointed at not winning the tournament, but Chelle has certainly set the founations for the national team to enjoy more consistent success in the near future.