Against most expectations, the Super Eagles have enjoyed a transformation under coach Eric Chelle, who is capable of doing more with the team, according to the man who brokered his deal with the NFF.
Sidibe Abraham Brehima has said he is not surprised by the accolades Eric Chelle has received on the back of the Super Eagles splendid run at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
“I am not surprised by what Eric Chelle has done with Super Eagles because I believe in him, I know what he has done and what he wants to do with Nigeria,” he said.
“Before me and my friend Bouba took Eric to Mali, many people did not believe in him because he has not worked with a national team.
“This is a very hard working and highly tactical coach. Ask the boys after a training session by Eric and they will tell you that they are dead. His player must be fit and ready, you must run, you must work hard, you have to be clever to make his starting XI
“If you don’t perform, he will bench you. This is what he did in Mali and this is what he is doing now in Nigeria.”
He continued: “Eric is one of the leading coaches in the world and he has had a special connection with Nigeria since he was a young boy and he can do much more than what he has done so far.
“He has brought a fighting spirit to the team, like what happened between (Victor) Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
“It’s not what many people think because the boys are now lions, everyone wants to fight, they all want to score.
“The issue has been fixed and the Super Eagles will go as far as possible at this AFCON
“CAF named him the best coach of the first round of the AFCON.
“He will do everything to achieve his personal target as well as the target set for him by the NFF.
“The Super Eagles can be champions, with a top coach like Eric and big players like Osimhem, Ademola , (Calvin) Bassey and (Wilfred) Ndidi, Nigerians must support them to achieve this.”
Eric Chelle, 48, signed a two-year contract with the NFF in January 2025.
