Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has commended head coach Eric Chelle for his bold decision to take charge of Nigeria at a time when the team was on the brink of a failed World Cup campaign.
Nigeria opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers disastrously, failing to win any of their first four matches and collecting just three points from a possible twelve.
Confidence plummeted, performances dipped and instability grew following the exits of José Peseiro and Finidi George.
Even the Nigeria Football Federation’s near-appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia collapsed at the final stage, leaving the programme directionless.
Chelle’s appointment and early impact
Amid this uncertainty, Chelle accepted the role in January, becoming the first non-Nigerian African to manage the Super Eagles.
Many viewed the appointment as a high-risk decision, but results have validated the move.
Under his leadership, Nigeria have gone unbeaten, securing five wins and two draws to reach the final stage of the playoffs. His tactical structure, composure and ability to restore belief have been central to the turnaround.
Adepoju highlighted these attributes while assessing the team’s 4–1 victory over Gabon.
“I think Chelle has done a great job. When he was employed, the situation we were at that moment, no coach would have taken the job,” he told The Punch. “He has put everything in good perspective. He deserves accolades.”
Focus shifts to DR Congo clash
Nigeria now sit one win away from the intercontinental playoff. A victory against DR Congo on Sunday in Rabat will sustain their bid to return to the World Cup.
Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed will officiate the contest, supported by assistants Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Bernissi, with Tunisia’s Mahrez El Malki as fourth official.
VAR duties fall to Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham and Tunisia’s Haitham Guirat. The match is slated for Sunday by 8:00PM WAT.