Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has publicly thrown his support behind head coach Éric Chelle, calling on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain the Malian tactician despite the team’s failure to meet its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) target.
Ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament, the NFF had tasked Chelle with leading Nigeria to the final. However, the Super Eagles’ campaign ended in the semi-finals after a tense 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to host nation Morocco in Casablanca.
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Despite falling short of the mandate, Ndidi believes stability and continuity are more important for the national team’s long-term progress.
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Speaking during a pre-match briefing in Casablanca, Ndidi made his stance clear.
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“I want us to keep the coach,” the Super Eagles captain said. “We should be focused on continuity at this point.”
The Besiktas midfielder emphasized that the progress made under Chelle should not be overlooked, even after a narrow semi-final defeat, especially against the tournament hosts.
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Ndidi also highlighted Chelle’s demanding nature, describing him as one of the strictest coaches he has worked under in his career.
“He is so demanding. I’ve never seen a coach as demanding,” Ndidi remarked. “Not just on the field but off it, even down to how we eat.”
According to the midfielder, Chelle’s attention to detail extends beyond tactics and matchday preparation, instilling discipline and professionalism throughout the squad.
While acknowledging the coach’s strict approach, Ndidi was quick to point out Chelle’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level.
“He’s a nice guy and connects with his players,” Ndidi added. “But when it’s time for the job, he doesn’t joke.”
This balance between approachability and discipline, Ndidi suggested, has helped foster trust within the squad while maintaining high performance standards.
