After the disappointment of failing to qualify for two World Cups in a row, fans of the Super Eagles must have expected more of the same at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
But Nigeria’s coach from Mali Eric Chelle had other ideas. After a tentative start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania, the Nigerians found their groove in the next two games, collecting maximum points with three wins at the group stages before facing Mozambique in the last 16.
The dominant performance against the southern Africans had many fans thinking the Super Eagles’ heydays of the 1990s were back. Sunday Oliseh, midfield anchor man for that team of the 90s said via Twitter: “The way the Super Eagles have played the last 3 games is the best I’ve seen in 20 years”.
Chelle also seemed to have transformed Alex Iwobi in this tournament – so much that his passing range had fans thinking he was a reincarnation of his legendary uncle from the 1990s team – Jay Jay Okocha. Iwobi played with so much verve because Chelle’s introduction of Frank Onyeka to play in midfield alongside skipper Wilfred Ndidi unshackled Iwobi to offer more in terms of line-breaking passes for the attackers.
Alex Iwobi with an almost Okocha V2.0 performances
Mozambique was blown away 4-0, forcing Algeria to play with trepidation against Nigeria in the quarters. Their 2-0 defeat didn’t reflect Nigeria’s performance as Akor Adams, who scored the game’s second goal should have had a hat trick on any other day. Adams was another plus for Chelle, who handed him his first international cap in October last year. The Sevilla striker rewarded his coach with two goals in this tournament and will surely get better with experience which should improve his decision making. His versatility is also a boost for the squad as he can play as the frontman, support striker and down the flanks. He said after the tournament “we are all grateful to Eric Chelle for what he has done for us as a group in the last three weeks. We’re better people because of him”.
Adams so happy for the opportunity to represent his country at a major tournament
Nigeria had scored 14 goals conceding just four going into the semi. This was like a breath of fresh air after the stodgy draws against so-called minnows that scuppered their chances of World Cup qualification before Chelle was appointed a year ago.
Ndidi’s calming presence was missed via suspension in the semi and replacement Raphael Onyedika just couldn’t rise to the occasion. It could have been all so different if Chelle had a Plan B after Morocco nullified the supply lines to Nigeria’s forwards. Iwobi struggled to find his patented passing range as Morocco dominated. Maybe Chelle would have adopted the “Route One” approach with long balls from defence for Victor Osimhen to chase, hassle and harry the Moroccan defence. Osimhen has proven in club football, especially at Napoli that he has the pace and power to turn those nothing balls into something.
But this is no time for what ifs. Chelle’s transformational nature needs to be recognised and rewarded. He has restored the faith of Nigerians in their national team and brought back the fear of the Eagles for opponents. His achievements, taking account of the gloomy situation prior to his appointment, should earn him more time to mould the team, building on the green shoots of recovery seen at this Afcon.
Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana after the tournament: “There will be no contract extension discussion with Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles head coach, for now. We signed a two-year deal with him in January 2025. He is only halfway through his contract. In the last six months of his current deal, we can start to look at things.”
Chelle’s unveiling in January 2025
This is surely the wrong approach. There should have been performance targets in the current contract. Delivering on those targets such as going deep at Afcon should have meant a vote of confidence and contract renewal on improved terms. This is the time for long-term thinking in terms of planning to win the 2027 Afcon and ensuring World Cup qualification in 2030. Stability is needed to achieve such goals and it’s critical to fend off possible suitors for Chelle.
Nigerians expect Gusau and team to do the right thing and make Chelle a long-term improved offer that he can’t refuse.
