‘No Coach Would Have Taken the Job’ – Adepoju Praises Chelle’s Bold Gamble

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has praised head coach Eric Chelle for taking charge of Nigeria at a time when the team was in deep crisis and “no coach would have taken the job.” Chelle stepped in after the Super Eagles’ disastrous start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the team failed to win any of their first four games and collected just three points from 12.

Nigeria’s struggles had been compounded by instability in the dugout. José Peseiro exited after AFCON 2023, and his replacement Finidi George quit only weeks later. The NFF nearly appointed German tactician Bruno Labbadia, but talks collapsed at the last minute, leaving the team in uncertainty.

Into that tense atmosphere walked Chelle, the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles. His appointment was seen as a risky move, but it has since proven inspired. Under his leadership, Nigeria have gone unbeaten, recording five wins and two draws to reach the final stage of the World Cup playoffs.

Chelle’s tactical organisation, calm approach, and ability to rebuild confidence have been widely commended. Speaking after Nigeria’s 4-1 victory over Gabon on Thursday, Adepoju said:

I think Chelle has done a great job… no coach would have taken the job… He deserves accolades and all our praise.

The Super Eagles now face DR Congo in Sunday’s decisive match. A win would send Nigeria into the intercontinental playoffs, keeping their World Cup hopes alive for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.