Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has commended Eric Chelle for accepting the national team role and successfully transforming the side during his tenure, SportPremi reports.
Chelle, 48, was appointed as the head coach of the Super Eagles in January as a replacement for Finidi George, who left the role in 2024.
The former Mali head coach took over with the nation’s qualifying campaign in turmoil, but produced a remarkable comeback which has put them on the brink of reaching next year’s tournament.
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The three-time African champions won four of their last six qualifying matches, including a 4-0 win over Benin Republic that sealed their spot in the World Cup playoffs.
Last Thursday, the Super Eagles defeated Gabon by a 4-1 scoreline to reach the playoffs final, where they will face DR Congo on Sunday night.
Akor Adams scored the opener for Nigeria in the 78th minute of the clash, taking advantage of a defensive mixup and slotting into an empty post.
Gabon refused to give up without a fight and were back on level terms when Mario Lemina’s shot was deflected beyond Stanley Nwabali in the Nigeria’s goal to send the game into extra-time.
The Super Eagles then made their dominance count in extra-time scoring three times through Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen (2) to seal their spot in Sunday’s final.
DR Congo, on the other hand, beat Cameroon after a last-gasp winner from captain Chancel Mbemba to seal a 1-0 win.
Adepoju lauds Chelle
While speaking ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash, Mutiu Adepoju who played for Nigeria at three FIFA World Cup tournaments, believes Chelle has done a great job of turning things around.
“I think Chelle has done a great job. When he was employed, the situation we were at that moment, no coach would have taken the job”, the ex-international said.
“He came and took the job, and he is pulling his weight and putting everything in good perspective, and we are seeing good games with the Super Eagles. He deserves accolades and all our praise. He is really doing a great job.”
Nigeria face DR Congo in playoffs final
The Super Eagles and the Leopards clash at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled at 8 PM to determine Africa’s representative at the intercontinental playoffs.
Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been confirmed to officiate the high-stakes encounter.
Nigeria are favorites to progress, but will be wary of the threat posed by the DR Congo side, who eliminated Cameroon in the previous round.
