Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has praised Eric Chelle’s impact on the national team, saying the players are stepping up under the Malian coach’s guidance.

Akpeyi, speaking on SuperSport on Thursday following Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic, claimed there have been significant changes in the Super Eagles since Chelle took charge.

“Since Eric Chelle came in, there have been a lot of changes, and the players are stepping up,” Akpeyi said.

The former Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper also highlighted Victor Osimhen’s importance to the team, saying the striker’s performance against the Benin Republic shows why Galatasaray would be willing to pay any amount to retain him.

“Whether you like it or not, in every team there is that superstar that you have, which is Victor Osimhen, who has lived up to expectations,” Akpeyi said.

“It shows the reason Galatasaray can pay any amount of money to retain him there.”

Osimhen scored a hat-trick as Nigeria defeated Benin Republic to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs as one of the best four second-placed teams in the African qualifiers.

The 26-year-old striker opened the scoring in the third minute before adding two more goals in the 37th and 51st minutes. Frank Onyeka completed the rout with a stoppage-time strike.

Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles earlier this year, has faced criticism throughout the qualifying campaign as Nigeria struggled for consistency.

However, the commanding victory over the Benin Republic has restored confidence in the team ahead of the play-offs, with many crediting Chelle’s tactical adjustments and player management for the improved performance.

Nigeria finished second in Group C with 17 points, one point behind South Africa, and will now play in a two-legged play-off tie for a chance to get a place at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.