Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has shared his impressions of new head coach Eric Chelle, describing him as demanding and passionate about fighting for success.
Since taking the reins as Super Eagles coach in January, Eric Chelle has been proactive in connecting with key players, both domestically and abroad. He has held discussions with several squad members and visited others based in Europe.
Additionally, Chelle has been scouting for fresh talent by attending Nigerian Premier Football League matches, aiming to uncover hidden gems for the national team.
In an exclusive interview on the Obi One Podcast, Osimhen revealed that he had a conversation with Chelle, who was appointed in January, along with his assistant, noting that he was familiar with his work with the Malian team during the previous AFCON.
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“We spoke last week, he called me alongside his assistant. I know him from the previous AFCON because of what he did with the Malian team, he’s a coach that loves to play and loves to fight, so apparently he’s kind of similar to me.”
Osimhen shared Chelle’s expectations, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication while stressing that he would be demanding and requires players to work together to achieve great things.
“According to what he said to me, he’s going to be very demanding and he said to me and others he called to work hand-in-hand with him to achieve amazing things for the nation. He said we have the quality, but the one who doesn’t work and run for every ball would not play.”
Chelle’s leadership style, as described by Osimhen, balances toughness with empathy. The Galatasaray striker quoted Chelle as saying that while he can be a fatherly figure off the pitch, on the pitch, it’s all business.
“He goes on to say he can be a father, a big brother, an uncle to everyone, but on the pitch, it’s business. I totally agree with him because Nigeria is a big country with millions of people, so if you’re privileged to put on the Super Eagles jersey, you should give everything.”
Osimhen also expressed gratitude to NFF technical director, Austin Eguavoen, praising his leadership and paternal approach: “I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Eguavoen for his job well done not just as a coach but also as a father. He has taken every player along and he has given us the respect. He really deserves his flowers.”
As the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe approach, Eric Chelle has announced his 23-man squad, which includes star player Victor Osimhen, other familiar faces, and newcomers Tolu Arokodare, Igoh Ogbu, Papa Daniel, and Kayode Bankole.
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