Ndidi Urges NFF to Keep Chelle After AFCON 2025

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to retain head coach Eric Chelle after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle was appointed head coach in January and has gradually settled into the role. His first major task was to revive Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but the team failed to achieve the target. Nigeria also missed out on success in the CAF Playoffs after losing to DR Congo in the final.

These results led to doubts about Chelle’s ability, with some calling for his removal. However, the NFF chose to stand by him and allowed him to lead the team into AFCON 2025.

That decision paid off, as the Super Eagles produced some of their best performances in recent years. Under Chelle, the team looked organised, disciplined and confident, controlling most of their matches in the tournament.

Nigeria’s impressive run ended in the semi-finals with a defeat to hosts Morocco. Although the result was disappointing, the Super Eagles were competitive throughout the match. The loss means Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place play-off.

Speaking ahead of the game against Egypt, Ndidi praised Chelle and appealed for stability in the team.

“When we talk about the experience as the captain. For the future, I will say this team I am very proud of, they have done great thing in this tournament and it’s been amazing,” Ndidi said.

“For continuity, I feel like they should keep the coach because he is a wonderful manager; the only thing we need in this team is continuity.

“We should not change things now because we did not make it to the final; we should remain focus because there are so many competitions ahead.”

Chelle signed a two-year deal when he was appointed, which is due to end next January. After Nigeria’s strong showing at AFCON 2025, he is now expected to be considered for a contract extension.

However, other countries are also monitoring his situation and could move for him if he becomes available.