Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been advised to make player motivation his top priority as he looks to turn around Nigeria’s struggling national team.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia believes reigniting the players’ passion and commitment to the badge is the first step toward success.
Chelle faces the challenge of stabilizing an inconsistent Nigerian side that has faltered in World Cup qualification. Despite an impressive run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final—where they narrowly lost to hosts Côte d’Ivoire—the Super Eagles have since struggled.
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The team’s inconsistency was further highlighted in AFCON 2025 qualifying. While Nigeria secured their spot with two games to spare, they suffered a shocking 2-1 home defeat to Rwanda in their final group match.
Greg Etafia’s Advice for Eric Chelle
With World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the Super Eagles must rediscover their winning mentality—something Chelle has been brought in to address.
Etefia capped 4 times for the Super Eagles
The Malian tactician has wasted no time, traveling across Europe to meet key players like Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi. While Etafia commends these efforts, he insists Chelle must quickly impose his tactical identity on the team.
“I think familiarizing himself with the players, especially the established ones, is a good move,” Etafia told The Nation. “He can’t reach everyone at once, but building relationships with those in close proximity is important.”
However, Etafia emphasized that results must follow.
“Chelle needs to stamp his authority on the team—establish his playing style and start winning games, which is the most important thing. The first step is reigniting the players’ desire to represent the national team.”
Chelle’s Vision: Attacking Football and Consistency
Chelle has promised an attacking transformation for the Super Eagles, vowing to make them a more potent goal-scoring force.
His tenure with Mali reflected this ambition, as his team netted over 40 goals in 22 matches, winning 14, drawing five, and losing just three. Mali reached the 2023 AFCON quarterfinals, defeating South Africa and Burkina Faso before falling to Côte d’Ivoire in extra time.
Beyond the senior team, Chelle will also oversee preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), but his immediate focus remains reviving Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Currently, the Super Eagles sit fifth in their group, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho. With only the group winners securing an automatic World Cup spot, Nigeria’s situation is critical.
Winless in four matches, the Super Eagles must secure back-to-back victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March to keep their qualification hopes alive.
