Frank Onyeka has thrown his support behind Eric Chelle and believes the Franco-Malian is the best fit to lead the Super Eagles to success, SportPremi reports.
Chelle guided Nigeria to a third-placed finish at the recently-concluded 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, while they also played some of their best football in recent years.
The 48-year-old joined the Nigerian national team on a two-year-deal in January 2025 and has just one year left on his contract.
However, there were talks of a dismissal during the course of the tournament as he had failed to reach the final target set by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), although he will is expected to see out the remaining one year of his contract.
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However, his contract will not be renewed for now, but will be reviewed during the last six months of his tenure later this year.
Chelle is not short of suitors, with Tunisia sending him a mouthwatering offer, while the likes of Angola and Mali are also monitoring his situation at the Super Eagles.
Nigeria finished with a bronze medal at the 2025 AFCON tournament, defeating Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff match.
The three-time champions won six of their seven matches in Morocco, including five in normal time, while they also scored the most goals at the competition with 14, surpassing champions Senegal’s tally of 13.
What Onyeka said about Eric Chelle
Frank Onyeka has gained an improved role under Chelle and was one of Nigeria’s most impressive performers at the 2025 AFCON tournament.
During the tournament, captain Wilfried Ndidi also expressed desire for Chelle to remain in charge and Onyeka has now followed his compatriot in backing the head coach.
“I think it was a process. When Eric Chelle took charge, you could see what he wanted to do, his game plan and tactics. As time went on, we blended, we knew each other, and that was why we played well at the AFCON, especially on the ball”, the Brentford midfielder revealed.
“When I hear that this is the best we’ve played in so many years, dominating every team, it means the team did well.
“Eric Chelle is a good man, he’s a lovely man, a nice guy. He’s someone you feel comfortable around, and he tries to give you comfort”, Onyeka continued.
“Having him as a coach is something I feel about, it’s good working with him, he’s very open-minded and gives everyone the opportunity they deserve
“A lot of the players love him so much. Don’t let him go, because having him as a manager is one of the best things that has happened since I joined the national team”, the midfielder concluded.
Although there have been no talks of a renewal, Chelle will stay in charge for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
