AFCON: Oliseh urges Nigeria coach Chelle to be stubborn

Former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh advised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to be more “stubborn” while expressing optimism about the team’s prospects at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

“I was one of the people that criticized his appointment but Eric Chelle has won me over”

— Sunday Oliseh believes Nigeria Super Eagles has improved greatly under Eric Chelle. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/baOUF0ZE7a

— GNB Official (@GHNaijaBallers) November 27, 2025

​The member of the Football Advisory Panel for the International Football Association Board (IFAB) said this on the Oliseh Insight Podcast, where he expressed optimism for the 2023 runners-up.

“I am very optimistic that the Super Eagles can do well at this tournament.”

“The first thing the manager has to do is that he has to grow a little bit stubborn. I think he has to grow stubborn and stand his ground and show personality that he is responsible.”

Chelle’s men will open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania on December 23, before facing Uganda in their final group-stage match.

​Nigeria will aim to progress from Group C, which includes Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.