Former Super Eagles defender Chikelue Iloenyosi has been impressed by Eric Chelle’s handling of the Nigeria senior national team since his appointment as head coach back in January, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle has enjoyed an unbeaten start to his Super Eagles managerial reign. The former MC Oran manager has overseen a total number of five games since taking the reins, recording wins against Rwanda and Ghana while playing draws with Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Russia.
These exploits have not been missed by 15-capped former Nigeria defender Iloenyosi, who was especially pleased with how the Super Eagles performed enroute their recent Unity Cup triumph in the United Kingdom.
What Chikelue Iloenyosi said about Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles
“The team spirit under the coach is fantastic and key to the team’s impressive performances, which recently saw them win the Unity Cup Tournament in London,” Iloenyosi said in an interview with Complete Sports.
“For me, Chelle is doing everything possible to carry every single player along. There is unity in the team, and that is crucial. You can see it in the way they play — there’s cohesion and self-belief.
“Chelle’s technical and tactical intelligence is clear, the team is adapting and outplaying strong opponents. The Super Eagles are on the rise, and with continued support, I believe this is the beginning of a new, great era.”
Despite Iloenyosi’s words of praise, Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles still have a lot to prove to Nigerians, especially in their ongoing quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria currently occupy fourth place, six points off the pace in Group C with South Africa, Benin and Rwanda occupying 1st to 3rd place.
The Super Eagles will get a chance to show just how much grit and spirit is in their ranks when they face stern tests against Rwanda and South Africa in September’s qualifying games.