Osimhen’s Gesture Brought Me to Tears, Says Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle

Osimhen’s Gesture Brought Me to Tears, Says Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle

By Admin 

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has opened up on his close working relationship with star striker Victor Osimhen, revealing how the Galatasaray forward’s words and conduct left a deep personal impression on him, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking on the After Afrique podcast, the Franco-Malian tactician described Osimhen as an exceptional, driven and welcoming figure within the national team, recounting two moments that highlighted their bond — Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place match against Egypt and Chelle’s first training session as head coach.

Nigeria secured their ninth AFCON bronze medal after defeating Egypt via a penalty shootout, a match in which Osimhen was an unused substitute. Chelle addressed speculation surrounding the striker’s absence, confirming that the forward was carrying an injury at the time but had remained ready to feature if needed.

“Before the game, Victor and I spoke on the pitch,” Chelle said. “I told him we absolutely had to win the third-place match. But I could see he was injured and not feeling well.”

The Super Eagles coach added that he used the moment to commend Osimhen’s commitment to the team since his appointment.

“I told him I was proud of everything he had done since I took over the team. I also told him that if he ever needed me, no matter what happens in his life, he should call me and I would come.”

Chelle also recalled a touching exchange during his first training session with the squad, revealing how Osimhen’s words brought him to tears.

“When I arrived, he was already a great player, and I hadn’t come in as a great coach,” Chelle said. “He looked at me and said, ‘Coach, maybe you came here as a small coach, but now you’re a great coach.’ I couldn’t hold back my tears. I honestly struggled to continue the training session after that.”