Sunday Oliseh Backs Eric Chelle Despite Super Eagles’ World Cup Heartbreak

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has come to the defense of current head coach Eric Chelle, urging Nigerians to look beyond the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup and assess the progress the Malian coach has made with the national team.

The Super Eagles’ dreams of reaching the 2026 World Cup came to an abrupt end after a tense 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final. The loss was a significant blow for Eric Chelle’s team and sparked criticism from both fans and football analysts.

However, Oliseh offered a different perspective during his podcast, praising Chelle’s dedication and the strides he has made with the team. The former captain admitted he was initially skeptical about Chelle’s appointment but has since been impressed by the coach’s work.

“I am one of those who was totally unhappy when he was appointed, but I must be honest, he has won me over,” Oliseh said. He continued, “I feel like the man has really given it a lot, he’s done a lot, and he’s picked up some points, better than any of the two people that preceded him.”