Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle likened to Westerhof ahead of Unity cup finals

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Alloy Agu has likened Eric Chelle’s approach to that of their AFCON 1994-winning coach Clemens Westerhof, Afrik Foot reports.

The Dutch manager spearheaded the ‘Golden Generation’ of Nigerian football, leading the Super Eagles to the AFCON 1994 triumph and a maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on a quarter-final spot.

Chelle, on the other hand, has been building a solid foundation with fewer plaudits. Since taking charge of the Super Eagles in January 2025, the Franco-Malian has yet to lose with the Green and Whites in 90 minutes.

Agu likens Eric Chelle to Clemens Westerhof

Agu, in an interview with Complete Sports, lauded Chelle’s decision to go around the nation to watch local games, claiming it’ll motivate the players in the NPFL and give them hope of a place in the National team, a feat Westerhof partook in several times.

“That was what Clemens Westerhof used to do during his time with the Super Eagles. By doing that, players in the domestic league were given opportunities in the national team,” the 58-year-old said.

“That was how their development and exposure started, so much so that some eventually moved to Europe.

“I think Coach Chelle’s presence at the stadium was a major encouragement to the players because seeing the senior national team coach watching them could motivate them to earn invitations to the Super Eagles camp,” Alloy Agu continued.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeping coach also tipped the former RC Lens defender to achieve success in the 2026 Unity Cup later this month.

“Nigeria has always been a strong football nation both within and outside Africa. It is a respected name in world football and I think this tournament will serve as good preparation for the next AFCON qualifiers.

“We have the players. We just need to be more organised in terms of preparation and, with that done, I have no doubts the Super Eagles will always deliver,” the AFCON 1994-winning goalkeeper concluded.

Nigeria’s Unity Cup tournament kicks off with the semi-final against Zimbabwe on the 26th of May at The Valley stadium, home of Charlton Athletic.