CASABLANCA, Morocco — As Nigeria prepares for a high-stakes bronze medal clash against Egypt, Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has made a passionate plea to the Nigeria Football Federation [NFF] to retain head coach Eric Chelle.
Despite a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to the 2025 AFCON hosts Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday, Ndidi believes the resurgent Super Eagles are finally on the right path under the Franco-Malian tactician.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s third-place play-off, Ndidi emphasised that the team’s progress should not be derailed by the lack of a final appearance.
“For continuity, I feel like [the NFF] should keep the coach because he’s a wonderful manager,” Ndidi said. “The only thing we need now is continuity, not to try to change things now because we didn’t get to a final.”
Ndidi, who has flourished under Chelle’s leadership since the coach’s appointment on January 7, 2025, highlighted the high standards the former Mali manager has introduced to the squad.
“I laugh because looking at the eyes of the man, you wouldn’t think he’s so demanding,” Ndidi chuckled. “Not just on the pitch, but when we eat, when we have a meeting, the demands are very high. That’s when I talk about standards; he’s the one who sets these standards.”
NDIDI PROUD OF SUPER EAGLES TEAMMATES
Chelle’s arrival in early 2025 was initially met with mixed reactions from Nigerian fans. However, his statistical record has silenced many critics. In 18 games at the helm, Chelle has lost just once in regulation time, securing 11 wins and restoring a sense of defensive stability to the three-time African champions.
While reports have swirled regarding interest from Tunisia and other African nations, Chelle remains focused on the ‘Super Eagles project.’
“I am just a little coach with his ideas, his philosophy,” Chelle told journalists on Friday. “If I am not the coach of the Super Eagles, these guys will stay as my brothers for life. They gave everything for me, and I’m proud of it.”
The NFF is yet to officially confirm if Chelle will see out his contract, which runs until 2027. However, reports suggest that reaching the AFCON semi-finals may have triggered a performance-based extension clause.
For now, the focus shifts to the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, where Nigeria looks to maintain their perfect record in AFCON third-place matches.
“We have to focus on the competitions ahead,” Ndidi concluded. “I am proud of this group of players. If you come [to the national team], you have to come correctly.”
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