“I Have Confidence in His Capacity” – NFF Board Member Nse Essien Backs Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Board member representing the South-South, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, has expressed strong confidence in Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle during the President Federation Cup final in Asaba, Delta State.

Essien, who represented Onna State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023, shared a photograph of himself with Chelle at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Saturday.

Posting on his social media page, the NFF Board member wrote: “WITH SUPER EAGLES COACH, ERIC CHELLE @ THE PRESIDENT FEDERATION CUP GRANDE FINALE.. I HAVE SO MUCH CONFIDENCE IN HIS CAPACITY.”

Essien’s public endorsement comes as Chelle continues to receive support from former internationals and football stakeholders since taking charge of the Super Eagles. The Malian tactician has been praised for introducing a more organised style of play while rebuilding confidence within the national team.

The vote of confidence also follows the recent decision by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the NFF to extend Chelle’s contract as Super Eagles head coach.

Under the new agreement, Chelle will also oversee Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles, the country’s Under-23 national team. The new deal includes an improved salary package, while the NSC will now pay the wages of his assistant coaches, a cost Chelle had previously covered from his own earnings.

Essien and Chelle were among football stakeholders and fans present in Asaba for the President Federation Cup grand finale.

Earlier in the day, Nasarawa Amazons won the women’s Federation Cup title, while the men’s final between El-Kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City was underway at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

The Super Eagles are expected to regroup later this year for their next international assignments, with Chelle continuing preparations as Nigeria targets success in upcoming continental competitions and future FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.