AFCON: Nigeria captain Ndidi urges NFF to keep coach Chelle

Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi has urged the Football Association to keep coach Eric Chelle with the Super Eagles despite the team missing out on winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Super Eagles’ journey in the 2025 edition came to an end after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero as hosts Morocco booked their place in the final for the first time in 22 years, edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.

After the game, the Malian coach said his desire was to stay on but he was not sure about his future.

“My future, I don’t know for now. I am the coach of Nigeria at this moment, but it depends on whether the NFF want me to continue or not,” said Chelle. “The tournament is not over yet. After the AFCON, I will meet with the NFF and we will decide the next step.”

‘I want Nigeria to keep Chelle’

Speaking ahead of their third-place play off fixture against Egypt, Ndidi said; “I want us to keep the coach. We should be focused on continuity at this point.”

He added: “He is so demanding. I’ve never seen a coach as demanding…Not just on the field but off it, even down to how we eat. He’s a nice guy and connects with his players, but when it’s time for the job, he doesn’t joke.”

Nigeria will face Egypt for a third-place play-off at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, while Morocco will face Senegal in the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.