Former Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade believes Eric Chelle is laying the foundations for a new golden era for the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Bnei Yehuda defender has to that effect urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep faith with the Malian coach.
Nigeria have not lifted the Africa Cup of Nations since 2013, when the late Stephen Keshi led the team to glory in South Africa.
The country’s most celebrated period remains the early 1990s, when the Super Eagles won the 1994 AFCON, qualified for the World Cup for the first time and climbed to fifth in the FIFA world rankings; still the highest position achieved by an African side.
Those heights have felt distant in recent years, especially after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
Yet, one year into Chelle’s tenure, there is renewed optimism. His team’s bold, attacking approach has caught the eye, and their performances at the recently concluded AFCON 2025 in Morocco drew widespread praise from supporters, pundits and stakeholders.
Although the Super Eagles had to settle for bronze, they were widely regarded as the tournament’s most entertaining side. Nigeria scored the most goals, created the most chances, boasted one of the strongest defences and had three players named in the official Team of the Tournament.
Ivorian great Yaya Toure described them as the most impressive team at the competition, while former captain Sunday Oliseh said it was the best he had seen the Super Eagles play in 20 years.
Eric Chelle's Eagles now gelling – Ugbade
Ugbade, a former Golden Eaglets coach, has echoed those sentiments and called on the NFF to resist any temptation to change course.
“They shouldn’t send the coach (Chelle) away; they should support him,” Ugbade told Brila.
“All these things follow natural science. If you plant tomatoes today and expect to harvest tomorrow morning, that’s a lie.
“He took over the job and has been polishing the team. We all can see it. In the last three matches, we saw a team that clearly has the potential to be among the best in the world.
“If we are serious and follow the right process, we will achieve great things. The team is now gelling. Things are beginning to make meaning.
Ugbade pointed out, though, that there is still room for the Eagles to get better ahead of future challenges.
“What remains is to improve certain areas especially defensively. The defence used to be very tight, but now teams can play through it and score. These are things that can be fixed with time and proper planning.
“We have done well. The NFF should not sack Eric Chelle. They should support him and allow the process to continue.”
Chelle’s progress has reportedly attracted interest from Tunisia, Angola and Gabon, with Tunisia said to be offering the added incentive of a first chance to manage at the World Cup.
However, both the National Sports Commission and the NFF have confirmed they are working to extend Chelle's contract and keep him in charge beyond AFCON 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
