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| Franklin Onyeka shows up at Calister Enejele's interview |
Nigerian international and Brentford midfielder Franklin Onyeka has praised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, describing him as a major reason behind the national team’s steady progress in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Onyeka believes Chelle’s arrival has brought much-needed direction and balance to the squad after a turbulent period marked by frequent managerial changes.
According to the midfielder, the Malian coach has introduced a clear identity, improved organization, and restored confidence within the team, helping the Super Eagles compete with renewed purpose on the continental.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the defensive midfielder explained how Chelle quickly transformed the mindset of the squad. Onyeka revealed that the coach’s tactical clarity and management skills have united the players and sharpened their focus during matches. “I think he came in and changed everything, the way we played, the way we’ve been set up, and his philosophy is just really good,” Onyeka said. He added that Chelle’s approach has simplified roles on the pitch, allowing players to better understand their responsibilities and perform with greater confidence and discipline.
Comparing Eric Chelle’s methods to those of previous Super Eagles coaches, Onyeka accentuated the current manager without mentioning any names. “He’s a loving coach. The way he speaks to the players, he makes fun of the players. It’s just different compared to what we had before,” he explained. Onyeka noted that this positive relationship has strengthened unity within the squad as Nigeria prepares for major challenges ahead, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.