Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, deserves full support from Nigerians, football fans, and administrators as he embarks on the challenging task of leading Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup.
At this critical point, casting doubt on his competence or suitability for the job would be counterproductive. Instead, the focus should be on equipping him with the tools and time needed for success.
While Chelle may not possess the résumé of a world-class coach, his accomplishments underscore his potential and capability.
During the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Chelle displayed remarkable tactical acumen by taking Mali to the quarterfinals, where they came close to defeating Côte d’Ivoire, the eventual champions and host nation. This achievement highlights his ability to thrive under immense pressure in a highly competitive tournament.
Moreover, Chelle masterminded Mali’s victory over the Super Eagles in an international friendly while Finidi George was in charge of Nigeria. This result showcased his capacity to organize his team effectively and exploit the weaknesses of a formidable opponent like the Super Eagles.
Chelle is no stranger to the depth of talent within the Nigerian squad. With players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze excelling in Europe, the Super Eagles are among the most talented teams on the continent. Chelle has both the opportunity and ability to harness their potential and prove his coaching prowess.
To achieve this, the Framco- Malian has taken proactive steps to build strong relationships with the players. Recently, he visited London to meet key Super Eagles players, including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon, who plays for Nantes in France. Such gestures foster unity and create a family-like bond within the team.
Chelle’s approach mirrors that of Clemens Westerhof, the legendary Super Eagles coach of the 1990s. Westerhof, who also lacked an intimidating coaching résumé when he took charge, succeeded by cultivating close relationships with his players.
His efforts paid off as he guided Nigeria to unprecedented heights: winning the 1994 AFCON, securing a silver medal in 1990, and earning bronze in 1992. Westerhof also led the team to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994, where Nigeria achieved a remarkable fifth-place FIFA ranking.
Westerhof’s achievements underscore the importance of time, patience, and continuity in building a successful team. Similarly, Chelle requires time to implement his vision and produce tangible results. He is not a miracle worker, and the current challenges facing the Super Eagles in their World Cup qualification campaign are not of his making.
The Super Eagles’ qualification journey is already on shaky ground due to past missteps by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which has left the team in a difficult position. The NFF must take responsibility for its role in the team’s struggles and provide Chelle with the necessary support to navigate this uphill battle.
Should the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the World Cup, it is imperative not to scapegoat Chelle. Dismissing him would not address the deeper problems afflicting Nigerian football. Instead, he should be retained to lead the team to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. This tournament, set to begin in December 2025, offers Chelle ample time to build on his work and prepare a squad capable of competing for the title.
The road to World Cup qualification will not be easy. With fierce competition from teams like South Africa and Rwanda, success will demand resilience and exceptional performance. While Nigerians naturally hope for a triumphant campaign, they must acknowledge the steep challenges ahead.
In the event of failure, retaining Chelle would ensure continuity and provide the Super Eagles with a stable foundation for the future. His efforts to foster unity, build relationships with players, and develop a long-term vision for success are already evident.
With patience, unwavering support, and a commitment to continuity, Eric Chelle has the potential to lead the Super Eagles back to their former glory. Nigerians must rally behind him, understanding that the journey to greatness is rarely smooth. With Chelle at the helm, the Super Eagles’ future looks promising.
“The road to World Cup qualification will not be easy. With fierce competition from teams like South Africa and Rwanda, success will demand resilience and exceptional performance. While Nigerians naturally hope for a triumphant campaign, they must acknowledge the steep challenges ahead“
