Eric Chelle: Why ex-Super Eagles player believe he can succeed

Former Super Eagles defender Bright Omokaro has opined on the progress of the Nigerian Football team, claiming Eric Chelle has what it takes to make them world-beaters again, Afrik Foot reports.

While there were clear doubts over the appointment of the Franco-Malian tactician in January 2025, Chelle has done well to prove he’s worthy of a new deal by the NFF.

Brought in to steady Nigeria’s sinking World Cup dreams, the former RC Lens defender gave the Super Eagles hope again, winning four of six qualifying games to help them to a play-off spot, where they eventually fell short to DR Congo.

The AFCON 2025 followed shortly after, and while the Super Eagles were bronze winners, they finished the tournament unbeaten, playing very entertaining football, the best since the 1994 Golden generation, according to some legends.

Bright Omokaro impressed by Chelle’s work with the Super Eagles

Following the Unity Cup success in London and Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Poland, Omokaro believes the Super Eagles are on the right path with Chelle in charge.

I gave kudos to him for how he prosecuted the Unity Cup,” Omokaro said in an interview with Footy Africa.

“Before that match, I was interviewed and I told them that this was the exact kind of cohesion we used to have back when we were playing for Nigeria.

“Think about it: of the high-profile professionals playing for our national team today, how many are actual first-choice starters at their respective clubs?”

The 61-year-old was particularly pleased with how Chelle has blended local players with International talents, claiming that is how the national team should be run.

“When we were playing for the Super Eagles, there was a deliberate blend of local and international talent,” he continued.

“The local players were hungry to go abroad, and the international players were determined not to lose their jerseys.

“That created constant, healthy competition. I think these upcoming matches are designed for the coach to truly assess the new boys he has injected into the squad.”

🧠🇳🇬 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗛𝗬 mediocre players can't play for Éric Chelle's Super Eagles, whether Europe-based or homebased..

🎙️ “The national team is not a present 🎁… You want to play in the midfield, you have the magician, Alex Iwobi. You want to play as a striker, you have… pic.twitter.com/ClMteLloRD

— Banky G 🎤⚽ (@BankyGee_) June 3, 2026

“He is absolutely moving in the right direction,” the AFCON 1980 winner added.

“Another thing that will keep him successful is if he completely tunes out outside interference. He needs to forget about anyone dictating which players he should or shouldn’t use.

“He is the one in charge, and ultimately, he is the one who will face the sack if things go wrong.

“Football is a round object—it can roll in any direction. Even if you own the ball, if you take it to the pitch without the right discipline, preparation and tactical regimen, the game will disgrace you.

“Right now, I believe they are heading in a great direction and the focus is there. The team’s morale is high, and I expect a favourable outcome,” Bright Omokaro concluded.

Is Eric Chelle’s praise justified?

One clear influence of the former Mali head coach is that the Super Eagles now have an identity after years of just playing with no clear plan.

Chelle immediately introduced his 4-4-2 diamond upon his arrival, and while it was hard for the players to grasp at first, it became beautiful when they clicked into rhythm.

Also, players like Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi have enjoyed the best spells of their International career under him, highlighting his man management, despite the high level of these players at their respective clubs.

The biggest achievement, perhaps, might be that Nigeria now play as a team again. In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles were unable to seal a win without Victor Osimhen.

It took a while, but other players have shown they can step up when needed, and the competition for places in the squad have gone up.

Without Osimhen, Chelle has secured two Unity Cup titles, and his eye for talents has been justified with first appearances for Femi Azeez, Tochukwu Nnadi, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Arthur Okonkwo, Tolu Arokodare, Ryan Alebiosu, Abdullahi Bewene, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Yira Sor happening under his tutelage.