Former AFCON Winner Calls on NFF To Replace Eric Chelle As Super Eagles Coach, Suggests Replacements
- Sylvanus Okpala says the Super Eagles need a Nigerian coach for long-term success
- Okpala praised Eric Chelle for stabilising the Super Eagles, but the NFF urged to consider appointing a local coach
- Chelle led Nigeria to win bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
- Nigerian football expert Bright Akpotabor told Legit.ng that the NFF should retain Chelle for the forseeable future
Former Super Eagles assistant coach Sylvanus Okpala has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to replace current head coach Eric Chelle with a Nigerian.
The former Africa Cup of Nations winner argues that the team can only reach its full potential under homegrown leadership.
Source: Getty Images
While praising Chelle’s achievements, Okpala believes it’s time for Nigeria to look inward for long-term success.
Since taking charge of the Super Eagles from Finidi George in January 2025, Chelle has guided Nigeria through a turbulent period.
When he arrived, the Super Eagles had just three points from their first four World Cup qualifying matches and appeared disjointed.
According to Africa Soccer, Chelle quickly stabilised the Nigerian team, leading the three-time African champions to four wins and two draws in the next six qualifiers, ultimately securing a spot in the CAF playoffs.
His performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was also notable as Nigeria won five consecutive matches and built a strong defensive structure before falling in the semi-finals.
NFF urged to replace Chelle with a local coach
Despite a record of 14 wins and seven draws in 21 matches, Okpala argues that Chelle’s progress alone is insufficient for Nigeria’s long-term ambitions.
“I am not saying he is not a good coach. He is a good coach,” Okpala told Punch.
“But his best is not where we are supposed to be. From where we are today, and where we need to go, Nigerian coaches will take us there.”
Okpala’s call is rooted in history after citing coaches like Stephen Keshi, who led Nigeria to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory; Shuaibu Amodu, renowned for multiple World Cup qualifications; and Christian Chukwu, who earned a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON.
Source: Getty Images
These figures demonstrated that Nigerian coaches can step in during challenging periods and deliver results, often relying on homegrown talent.
Okpala points out that local leadership has historically fostered both stability and national pride, qualities he believes the Super Eagles need as they prepare for future tournaments.
Nigerian football expert disagrees with Okpala
Chelle, whose contract has not yet been officially extended by the NFF, led the Super Eagles to a 2-1 friendly victory against Iran on March 27.
While results on the pitch remain positive, the debate over foreign versus local management is likely to intensify, with Okpala’s comments reigniting discussions about the future direction of Nigeria’s football leadership.
Nigerian football expert, Bright Akpotabor, in an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, disagreed with Okpala's view and pleaded with the NFF to retain Chelle.
“Calling for Eric Chelle’s sack at this stage would be a mistake because the Super Eagles are finally showing signs of structure and tactical identity again. What this team needs now is continuity, not another reset.
"Chelle has brought stability to a side that was drifting, improved the defensive shape, and given the players a clearer understanding of their roles. You do not break that momentum because of sentiment. The focus should be on building on the progress already made, not tearing it down before it fully matures,” Bright Akpotabor said.
For the Super Eagles, the question now is whether the NFF will continue with Chelle’s steady hand or embrace Okpala’s call for a Nigerian to lead the team into the next chapter of its football history.
NFF clarifies Chelle’s future with Nigeria
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the Nigeria Football Federation has clarified Eric Chelle’s future amid reports that the manager is linked to Morocco and Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca.
The federation through the Super Eagles media officer dismissed the reports as unfounded and that the manager is focused on the Nigerian national team.
Source: Legit.ng
