AFCON: Onyeka wants NFF to keep ‘good man Chelle’ after Morocco miss

Nigeria midfielder Frank Onyeka has become the second Super Eagles player to call for the Football Federation (NFF) to keep coach Eric Chelle for future assignment despite missing out on winning the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations 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.”

Chelle immediately received support from captain Wilfred Ndidi, who urged the Football Association to keep the Malian tactician. Onyeka has also joined the chorus supporting Ndidi’s sentiments.

‘Eric Chelle is a good man’

“I think it was a process. When Eric Chelle took charge, you could see what he wanted to do, his game plan and tactics,” the ex-FC Midtjylland midfielder said in an interview with Oma Akatugba as quoted by Soccernet.

“As time went on, we blended, we knew each other, and that was why we played well at the AFCON, especially on the ball. When I hear that this is the best we’ve played in so many years, dominating every team, it means the team did well.

“Eric Chelle is a good man, he’s a lovely man, a nice guy. He’s someone you feel comfortable around, and he tries to give you comfort.”

Onyeka concluded: “Having him as a coach is something I feel about, it’s good working with him, he’s very open-minded and gives everyone the opportunity they deserve

“A lot of the players love him so much. Don’t let him go, because having him as a manager is one of the best things that has happened since I joined the national team.”

Nigeria returned home with a bronze medal after defeat Egypt in the third-place playoff at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, while Morocco suffered a 1-0 defeat in the final against Senegal at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.