Nigeria’s Mutiu Adepoju hails coach Eric Chelle’s bold gamble in accepting Super Eagles job

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has praised Eric Chelle for accepting the Super Eagles coaching job in a crucial moment.

The former Mali coach 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, securing just three points from a possible 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

Despite the teams’ sloppy start to the qualifiers, Chelle managed to secure a playoff spot for the Super Eagles and are close to sealing a place in the final playoff, scheduled for March 2026.

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.

However, Adepoju has heaped praise on the former Mali gaffer to taking up the Super Eagles job at crucial stage, saying “no coach would have taken the job.”

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

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.