Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has given a strong endorsement of head coach Eric Chelle, saying the Franco-Malian tactician has brought stability, unity and a clear football philosophy to the Nigerian national team, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ndidi spoke ahead of Nigeria's international friendly against Portugal on Wednesday, describing the match as another important test for a side that is still developing under Chelle.
The Super Eagles head into the fixture after facing Poland in another high-profile friendly as they continue preparations for future competitive assignments. The three-time African champions impressed in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw. However, the game against Portugal is expected to provide a further measure of how far the team has progressed since Chelle took charge in January 2025.
Since his appointment, Chelle has overseen a remarkable transformation of the national team. Nigeria have remained unbeaten in regulation time under his leadership, won two Unity Cup titles in London, and secured a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after reaching the semi-finals of the competition.
Ndidi thumbs up Chelle's influence on Super Eagles
Ndidi credited Chelle for creating a positive atmosphere within the camp and building a group willing to work together for the country.
“Eric is a very great manager,” the Besiktas midfielder said at a pre-match press conference. “He is an amazing guy. The way he brings the team together is really good because everyone is so happy having him around, which is the most important thing to have a group who is ready to fight, work for you as a team, work for the nation.”
The former Leicester City midfielder also praised the direction the coach has given the team, pointing to the tactical identity and mentality that have emerged since Chelle's arrival.
“He has brought in a great philosophy and you see the way we perform at the Afcon,” Ndidi added.
“Yes, we couldn't but it was exciting. And this is a positive thing and the mindset also is very positive going forward and we will look forward to everything, every training, every game like game by game, try to improve.”
Despite the encouraging signs, Ndidi admitted that the Super Eagles are still developing and have not yet reached the level they aspire to.
“So, we're not perfect, but I know we're getting there. We're getting to improve every day. This is football. We learn both when we win, when we draw, when we lose, we keep learning. There's so much confidence in the team with our philosophy.”
After claiming a 4-0 win over Nigeria in their first meeting four years ago, Portugal will be favourites to eke out another victory against the Super Eagles on Wednesday.
