Super Eagles assistant captain Victor Osimhen has thrown his full weight behind head coach Eric Sekou Chelle, insisting the Franco-Malian tactician can lead Nigeria to greater heights if granted long-term stability.
Speaking after Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Galatasaray striker said Chelle’s tactical intelligence and man-management qualities position him for sustained success with the national team.
“In three, four, or even 10 years, we will see his greatness and, of course, we will achieve more with that,” Osimhen told TVC.
The 27-year-old praised Chelle’s role in guiding the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at AFCON 2025, noting that the team’s performance was a foundation for even greater achievements.
Osimhen also commended the players' commitment during the tournament, stressing that Nigeria’s talent pool remains deep and continually expanding.
“There’s really more to come, and I’m happy to be one of the leaders. The Super Eagles really have more in store for themselves and their fans,” he said.
“With the kind of players that we currently have, plus those who are still going to come and join us, we will have a better Super Eagles. I think we’ve got a bunch of talent already, and we still have many new players coming up from all around the world.”
The Napoli-born striker revealed that Chelle’s leadership style has fostered unity and motivation within the squad, making players eager to perform at their best.
“The coach is not over-demanding. So, every player is ready to give their best for him. He’s also a very amazing person, and I like him a lot,” Osimhen said.
“I like his mentality also. He pushes us a lot in training and during the game. Outside the pitch, he embraces us and laughs with us. He is friendly with the players and his coaching staff.”
Chelle’s future with the Super Eagles has remained a subject of debate following the AFCON 2025 bronze-medal finish, with growing calls from players and fans alike for continuity rather than another change on the bench.
