Former Nigeria GK urges Eric Chelle to reignite Super Eagles’ fighting spirit ahead of Rwanda clash

New Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been urged to make player motivation his top priority as he takes charge of Nigeria’s national team, Soccernet.ng reports.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia believes reigniting the players’ desire to fight for the badge is the first step toward success.

Eric Chelle has been tasked with steadying an inconsistent Nigeria side that has struggled in World Cup qualification.

Introducing Eric Chelle, New Head Coach of the Super Eagles #soarsupereagles #naija4thewin #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/zxY0GxmTAV

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 7, 2025

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 faltered.

The three-time African champions failed to win a single match in their first four World Cup qualifiers, leaving their chances of reaching the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico hanging by a thread.

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READ MORE: “No reason Nigeria should not beat Rwanda” – Ex-Super Eagles coach sends Eric Chelle message

That inconsistency was again on display in the AFCON 2025 qualification. Nigeria booked their ticket with two games to spare but then suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Rwanda at home in their final group match.

Rwanda has stunned Nigeria 2-1 in Uyo in a historic victory in the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers. That’s four points from the two matchups.

Amavubi are tied with Benin on eight points but Benin have a superior record in their head-to-head encounters. Nigeria and Benin qualify! pic.twitter.com/luRdI9weY1

— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) November 18, 2024

What advice does Greg Etafia have for Eric Chelle?

Now, with their World Cup hopes in jeopardy, the Super Eagles must rediscover their winning mentality—something Chelle has been appointed to address.

The Malian tactician has wasted no time, travelling across Europe to meet key players like Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi.

While Etafia commends Chelle’s effort to build relationships with his squad, he insists that the coach must quickly impose his identity on the team.

“I think trying to familiarise himself with the players, especially the established ones since he cannot reach out to everyone but the ones closer to each other in terms of location, is a good thing,” Etafia told The Nation.

“But he (Chelle) has to try as much as possible to stamp his authority on the team generally, in terms of style of play and winning games, which is the most important thing.

“The first thing is for him to bring out the desire of the players to play for the national team, which is very important.”

Chelle has promised an attacking transformation for the Super Eagles, vowing to turn them into a goal-scoring force.

His tenure with Mali reflects that ambition—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 losing to Côte d’Ivoire after extra time.

Beyond the senior team, Chelle will also oversee preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), but his immediate focus remains to revive Nigeria’s faltering World Cup qualification bid.

The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in their group, behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho—with only the group winners securing an automatic World Cup spot.

Winless in four matches, Nigeria must secure back-to-back victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March to keep their hopes alive.

With time running out, Chelle must quickly restore belief and consistency—something Etafia insists can only happen if the players rediscover their passion for the national team.