Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has come out in firm support of head coach Eric Chelle, urging Nigerians to judge the Malian tactician by the progress he has made rather than the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes were dashed after a tense playoff loss to DR Congo, where the Super Eagles fell 4–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time.
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The defeat sparked renewed calls for a technical overhaul, with Chelle’s future becoming a central point of debate.
But Oliseh, speaking on his podcast, offered a contrasting view, admitting the coach has exceeded his expectations.
> “I was totally unhappy when he was appointed, but I must be honest with you — so far, he has won me over,” Oliseh said. “I feel like the man has really given it a lot. He’s picked up points better than any of the two people that preceded him.”
Chelle took over at a turbulent time, inheriting a team that stumbled through the early stages of the qualifiers without a win in their first four matches. Gradually, he restored stability and belief, steering the Super Eagles on a long unbeaten run that carried them into the playoff round.
Despite the World Cup exit, Oliseh credited Chelle for bringing renewed structure, identity, and competitiveness to the team — qualities the former captain believes had been missing.
The loss has intensified scrutiny on Nigerian football leadership, with pressure mounting for a clear roadmap ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Chelle’s performance at the tournament is expected to heavily influence decisions on whether he remains the long-term figure to lead the Super Eagles.
Chelle has shown early promise, guiding Nigeria to the Unity Cup title earlier this year with victories over Ghana and Jamaica. Notably, he is yet to lose a match in regular time since taking charge.
With AFCON 2025 looming, Oliseh’s endorsement adds a significant voice to the conversation — one that may help temper calls for immediate changes while reinforcing the need for continuity and strategic planning.
