Onyeka: Chelle Has Transformed Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON 2025

Frank Onyeka believes Nigeria’s disappointment in missing out on the 2026 World Cup has become a powerful source of motivation as the Super Eagles prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Brentford midfielder says the squad is determined to ‘go into Afcon and win it and bring it back home,’ insisting the setback has sharpened their focus ahead of the continental showpiece.

Onyeka has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the arrival of new head coach Éric Chelle, the Malian appointed in January to rescue Nigeria’s faltering World Cup qualifying campaign.

He says Chelle’s impact has been immediate and transformative, both tactically and personally. ‘I think he came in and changed everything, the way we played, the way we’ve been set up, and his philosophy is just really good,’ Onyeka tod the BBC.

‘He’s a loving coach. The way he speaks to the players, he makes fun of the players. It’s just different compared to what we had before.’

Chelle’s first major tournament, however, will be complicated by the loss of two key defenders.

Captain William Troost‑Ekong shocked many by announcing his international retirement on the eve of AFCON despite being named in the provisional squad. Even more damaging is the absence of 20‑year‑old Benjamin Frederick, who had quickly established himself as a starter under Chelle before suffering a knee injury while on loan in Belgium.

Onyeka, who shares club ties with Frederick at Brentford, admitted the youngster’s absence is a major setback.

‘It’s a big blow for us because Benjamin has integrated himself into the team and everybody loves him,’ he said. ‘He has done so well in the games that he has played. We expected him to be a very big part going into the tournament. And as a guy, as a player, he’s just outstanding. The way he reads the game defensively is just so strong.’

Despite growing up without paying much attention to previous AFCON tournaments, Onyeka says he now fully understands the weight of expectation that comes with representing Nigeria.

He describes the national team’s influence back home as ‘huge,’ acknowledging both the passion and the pressure that accompany every match.

‘Playing for Nigeria is a pressure, but we are used to it,’ he said. ‘If you see some comments every time we lose games, it’s annoying. But I understand them because this is something that they love. Football is something that makes people happy, brings people together. Every time Nigeria is playing, everyone is interested.’