Akpeyi Hails Chelle’s Impact, Says Osimhen Proves Why Galatasaray Will Pay Any Price

|By Babatunji Wusu

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has praised head coach Eric Chelle and star striker Victor Osimhen following Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic in Uyo, which sealed the team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.

Osimhen delivered a stunning performance, scoring a hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal to crown a dominant display by the Super Eagles.

Speaking on SuperSport, Akpeyi commended the transformation in the national team since Chelle’s appointment, noting that the players have shown renewed drive and discipline.

“Since Eric Chelle came in, there have been a lot of changes and the players are stepping up,” Akpeyi said. “Whether you like it or not, in every team there’s always that superstar—and for Nigeria, it’s Victor Osimhen, who continues to live up to expectations.”

The former goalkeeper also lauded Osimhen’s brilliance, saying the forward’s performance against Benin reflects why Turkish giants Galatasaray would be willing to pay any price to keep the 26-year-old at the club.

“Osimhen’s display shows exactly why Galatasaray can pay any amount of money to retain him,” Akpeyi added.

With the qualification secured, Nigeria will now turn its focus to maintaining momentum as they prepare for the final phase of the World Cup race.