Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka has delivered a strong endorsement of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, insisting the Malian tactician has transformed Nigeria’s playing style and squad atmosphere since his appointment in January 2025.
Onyeka praised Chelle’s philosophy, man-management and tactical approach, crediting him with bringing clarity and stability to a team that had cycled through three managers in 12 months before his arrival.
“I think he came in and changed everything – the way we played, the way we’ve been set up, and his philosophy is just really good,” Onyeka told the BBC.
“He’s a loving coach. The way he speaks to the players, he makes fun of the players. It’s just different compared to what we had before.”
Under Chelle, Nigeria adopted a more aggressive, front-foot approach, pressing higher and committing numbers forward. The shift delivered early promise, including victory at the invitational Unity Cup in May and an unbeaten run across the final six matches of the World Cup qualifiers.
However, Nigeria failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and were unable to salvage a place through the play-offs route, losing on penalties to DR Congo in the confederation final.
Despite that disappointment, Onyeka believes Chelle’s impact extends beyond results, highlighting how the coach connects with players and communicates his ideas.
The midfielder, who has played under multiple foreign and local coaches for Nigeria, says Chelle’s man-management has been as influential as his tactical work.
Chelle’s approach was on display on Tuesday night, even as Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to Egypt in an international friendly in Cairo, his first loss in regulation time since taking charge.
Nigeria equalised just before half-time through Chidozie Awaziem after Mahmoud Saber had opened the scoring, but Mostafa Mohamed’s second-half strike gave Egypt their first win over the Super Eagles in nine years.
Nigeria departed for Morocco on Thursday, where the second phase of AFCON 2025 preparations will take place.
The Super Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23, a fixture that will offer Chelle his first competitive test at a major tournament with the Eagles.
