The Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen, has praised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and the team for their noticeable progress at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Afrosport reports.
Eguavoen said the Super Eagles have shown clear signs of improvement under Chelle, stressing that the team’s development is the result of patience, structure, and belief in a long-term vision.
He disclosed that the NFF’s technical department is considering recommending a review of the coach’s contract after the tournament to allow him build on the achievements recorded so far. Eguavoen noted that progress in football is a gradual process and urged Nigerians to remain patient with the team.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s a journey,” he said. “There will always be ups and downs, and some performances will attract criticism. But we thank God that things are beginning to turn around for good.”
According to him, Chelle has successfully blended into the NFF’s football philosophy while also introducing his own leadership style, which has been well received by the players.
“We have a coach who came in, keyed into our philosophy and added his own leadership approach. The players accepted him,” Eguavoen explained. “When you look at where we were before and where we are now, there is obvious progression. We are happy with the team’s current state.”
ICYMI: Here’s how we booked our place in the semifinals of #AFCON2025.
The win too sweet our belle 😌
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 11, 2026
Nigeria will face host nation Morocco on Wednesday in Rabat for a place in the final, and Eguavoen expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to reach the last match of the tournament.
He added that the positive atmosphere around the Super Eagles is part of a broader roadmap designed to impact other national teams.
The former captain and coach of the team also called for time and patience for Chelle, reflecting on the successful era of former Super Eagles coach Clemens Westerhoff, which he believes was largely down to the time and support he received to build a winning team.
