Super Eagles' World Cup Dreams Dim Under Eric Chelle's Leadership
- Seyi Olofinjana warns that Nigeria’s lack of structure and identity in football is the root of the Super Eagles’ struggles
- The Super Eagles face a make-or-break run in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin
- Eric Chelle’s leadership continues to divide opinion as the team’s poor performances raise questions
Former Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana has voiced strong concerns about the direction of the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle.
The former Premier League midfielder warned that without a manager with a clear identity and structure, Nigeria’s football will continue to falter.
Source: Getty Images
His comments come amid renewed pressure on the Super Eagles following a shaky 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking to Vanguard, Olofinjana stressed that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) must appoint a coach with a clear footballing identity and provide consistent backing.
“Nigeria is one of the best footballing nations in Africa,” Olofinjana said.
“We need a good manager, backed with proper support and respect. Otherwise, what happens is managers leave, or they fail and the cycle continues. Without structure, you can’t build.”
His remarks highlight the recurring instability in Nigerian football management, where frequent coaching changes and a lack of long-term planning have stunted progress.
Super Eagles at a crossroads
The Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes hang by a thread.
After a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign, Nigeria must now win their final two matches against Lesotho and Benin to stand a realistic chance of qualifying for the 2026 tournament.
Source: Getty Images
Failure to do so would mark a second consecutive World Cup absence, following their shock elimination at the hands of Ghana in 2022.
The Super Eagles are third in Group C with 11 points, three points behind leaders Benin and South Africa, as seen on the FIFA official website.
Fans have voiced frustration over poor performances and questionable tactics under Eric Chelle, whose style many believe has not brought out Nigeria’s attacking prowess.
Chelle, appointed with hopes of restoring the Super Eagles’ identity, has instead found himself struggling to unite the squad, as inconsistency and lack of creativity continue to plague the team’s play.
Olofinjana’s warning goes beyond the coach, and it points to a deeper problem within Nigerian football administration.
Without a proper football philosophy, the former Nigeria midfielder argued, no coach can succeed.
“Fans end up frustrated, managers walk away, and players struggle to deliver,” Olofinjana explained.
“Until there’s stability and a clear football philosophy, the Super Eagles will continue to wobble.”
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Lesotho and Benin in crucial qualifiers, the pressure is on both Chelle and the NFF to prove that lessons have been learned.
Nigeria needs experienced coaches
Meanwhile, Nigerian football expert, Toritseju Williams, in a chat with Legit.ng, has disclosed that Chelle might not be the one to bring good fortunes back to the Super Eagles.
"Chelle has been decent since taking over the Super Eagles, but he might not be the messiah the national team needs.
"Even if you leave him in charge till after the AFCON, there's no guarantee Nigeria's fortunes will change under him. What the Super Eagles need now is an experienced manager who has a proven record of winning."
Nigeria’s World Cup chances suffer blow
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been dealt another major setback after Felix Agu picked up an injury for Werder Bremen.
The Nigerian international was challenged inside the box in the 42nd minute, prompting referee Soren Storks to stop play.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
