Former Super Eagles captain and 1994 AFCON winner, Sunday Oliseh, has called on Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle to assert firm leadership and stick to his coaching philosophy as the team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Chelle, the Franco-Malian manager who previously guided Mali to the quarter-finals at AFCON 2023, was appointed Nigeria’s head coach in January 2025 with the task of leading the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Nigeria’s hopes were dashed in the play-offs against DR Congo, a defeat Chelle controversially blamed on “voodoo.”
Speaking on his global football insight show, Oliseh stressed the importance of strong decision-making and tactical clarity for the upcoming tournament.
“The first thing I think the manager has to do is to grow a bit stubborn. He has to be firm and stand his ground, to show personality. He is responsible for making the team and deciding who’s going to play,” Oliseh said.
He also emphasized the need for respected leadership within the squad, highlighting the role of senior players like Wilfred Ndidi and star forward Victor Osimhen.
Oliseh encouraged team leaders to take initiative in preparations, calling for what he described as “Oliseh-Keshi leadership,” where players hold each other accountable and ensure discipline ahead of the tournament.
“Tactics or formation is up to him. Any tactic that doesn’t include Osimhen is going to be difficult to succeed at the moment because he’s our best player,” Oliseh added.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, kicking off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania on December 23 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez, Morocco.
Oliseh remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances, urging both coach and players to embrace strong leadership and tactical discipline to compete effectively on the continental stage.
