Super Eagles left-back Bruno Onyemaechi has thrown his weight behind national team coach Eric Chelle, following scathing remarks by former Nigerian captain Sunday Oliseh questioning the Malian tactician’s appointment.

Speaking to TVC News Nigeria, Onyemaechi hailed Chelle’s early impact and leadership, calling him “the right guy for the job” despite growing noise from critics.

“In the few months I’ve worked with him, I can say he’s the right guy for the job,” Onyemaechi said. “There’s noise outside saying he doesn’t know what he’s doing, but if you come closer, you’ll know he’s the right guy for the job.”

The 26-year-old defender’s comments follow Oliseh’s fiery take on PanAfricaFootball, where the 1994 AFCON winner slammed the NFF’s decision to appoint a non-Nigerian as head coach.

“I am not a big fan of him [Chelle],” Oliseh said bluntly. “It is a sign of disrespect to the coaches and people of Nigeria… Africans are not allowed to coach abroad, and Nigerians are not allowed to coach outside their shores.”

However, since taking charge in January, Chelle has enjoyed an unbeaten run in five matches, lifting the Unity Cup and fostering a positive atmosphere in camp — something Onyemaechi emphasized as key to the team’s progress.

Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in September with two must-win fixtures against South Africa and Rwanda, and Onyemaechi remains focused on the task ahead.

“Nigeria is a big nation. It’s a big shame if we don’t qualify for the World Cup,” he stressed. “We know the pressure is there, but we are professionals — we need to win these games and get the ticket.”

Away from national duty, Onyemaechi is also set for a milestone season with Olympiacos, preparing for his debut UEFA Champions League campaign after helping the Greek giants clinch a domestic double.

“It’s a very big season because I’ll be playing in the Champions League for the first time,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this — I hope I stay fit and ready.”

Since debuting for Nigeria in September 2023, Onyemaechi has become a key figure under Chelle, earning 15 caps and growing into a trusted presence in the squad.