Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to retain head coach Eric Chelle, emphasising that continuity remains vital for the team’s long-term progress despite their failure to reach the AFCON final.
Speaking ahead of the third-place playoff, Ndidi warned against making abrupt changes to the coaching setup, stressing that stability will benefit the squad as they prepare for future competitions. He described Chelle as a quality manager and insisted that missing out on the final should not derail the team’s plans.
Ndidi also spoke about the honour of captaining the national team, crediting the coaching staff, senior players, and the entire squad for their collective effort throughout the tournament. He expressed pride in the players’ performances and the resilience they showed during the competition.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, the Besiktas midfielder said the experience had been positive and called for unity and continued support for the players as they move forward. He reiterated his belief in the quality of the current squad and their potential to achieve more in future tournaments.
The Super Eagles, who lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, will face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday as they aim to conclude their AFCON campaign on a positive note.
Meanwhile, Chelle has admitted he is uncertain about his future as Super Eagles coach following the semi-final defeat but confirmed that his immediate focus remains on preparing the team for the third-place match and reviewing their overall performance at the tournament.
