Eric Chelle’s appointment as Nigeria’s head coach sparked a lot of debates, but the early signs suggest he is taking a fresh and much-needed approach. Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s AFCON-winning legend Segun Odegbami has highlighted three key things the new coach has done right.
Speaking about Chelle’s impact, the former Super Eagles star praised Chelle’s commitment to home-based players, his squad selection process, and his tactical ideas.
1. Prioritising Home-Based Players
One of the biggest criticisms of previous Super Eagles managers has been their reluctance to trust players from the domestic league. NPFL stars have struggled for recognition, with World Cup squads and AFCON tournaments sometimes excluding them.
Chelle, however, is already breaking that cycle. Since arriving in Nigeria, he has made a deliberate effort to watch NPFL matches and assess home-based talents firsthand.
“He has been in the country for about three weeks. It is reported that he has chosen to live and spend more of his time in Nigeria. Good. He has been going to watch matches of the domestic national leagues since his arrival. Good. In his first two weeks, he invited seven players from the domestic league to join his assembly of Super Eagles. Good,” Odegbami wrote.
2. A Fresh Approach to Squad Selection
For too long, Nigeria has relied on the same set of players, even when some were out of form. Chelle has taken a different route. Rather than just sticking with familiar faces, he has been gathering data, scouting widely, and making selection decisions based on performance rather than reputation.
The former Super Eagles forward pointed out the fact that “[Chelle] is already setting a different module, ticking the boxes of expectations and doing things a little different.”
This change is long overdue. Players should be picked on merit, and Chelle seems determined to build a team based on form, not just past achievements.
3. A Clear Playing Style
Nigeria’s style of play has lacked direction in recent years. The midfield has often looked weak, and the team has struggled to control games. Chelle appears to have a clear plan, focusing on quick attacking moves and pressing high up the pitch.
“Unless he does things differently, he would likely achieve the same old and failed results,” Odegbami added, in his column for Complete Sports.
If he follows the same old patterns, the Super Eagles will not improve. But by changing the way Nigeria plays, focusing on a balanced team that includes both home-based talents and top stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, he is giving the team a better chance to succeed.
Chelle’s time in charge is just beginning, but his early actions suggest he understands what needs to change. His focus on local players, fresh approach to selection, and clear tactical ideas are already setting him apart from past coaches.