Onyeka: Chelle a Lovely Man Who Makes Eagles Comfortable

Frank Onyeka has praised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, describing him as a ‘lovely man’ who makes players feel at ease within the squad.

The Brentford midfielder was a key figure in Nigeria’s midfield during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the team secured a record ninth bronze medal.

Onyeka’s partnership with captain Wilfred Ndidi allowed him to balance defensive duties with attacking runs, a dynamic that flourished under Chelle’s 4-3-3 system.

Reflecting on the coach’s influence, Onyeka said: ‘Eric Chelle is a good man; he is a lovely man, nice man, someone you feel comfortable around with and he decided to make me comfortable as well. A lot of the players love him. Having him as a coach I feel really happy working with him.’

Chelle’s tactical approach and ability to connect with his players have earned admiration both within Nigeria and across Africa.

His success has also attracted interest from other football associations, though the Nigeria Football Federation is reportedly working on a new deal to keep him, with his current salary standing at $50,000 per month.