Frank Onyeka has revealed how Eric Chelle has changed the senior national team of Nigeria since his appointment as coach at the start of the year, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Onyeka who wasn’t in the first set of players called up by the coach upon his appointment has grown into an influential figure under the Malian, heading into the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Chelle will be leading the team to a major tournament for the first time when they begin their campaign at the AFCON against Tanzania on the 23rd of December. Two days after the tournament officially starts.
Speaking on the impact of the coach, the Brentford man said the coach has changed almost everything about the team, praising the manner which he has also handled the players.
“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,” said Onyeka.
“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.”
Looking forward to the tournament in Morocco, Onyeka expressed his unhappiness over the unfortunate injury that will see his teammate Benjamin Fredrick miss the tournament.
The 20 year old seized the chance he was given to cement a spot in the team last six games, but won’t be available for the AFCON after picking up a knee injury during training with his loan side FC Dender.
“It’s a big blow for us because Benjamin has integrated himself into the (Nigeria) team and everybody loves him,” said Onyeka.
“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.”
