5 things Super Eagles new coach, Chelle must do to succeed
Coaching the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, is one of African football’s most prestigious, yet challenging jobs. Over the years, legendary coaches like Otto Gloria, Clemens Westerhof, Bonfrère Jo and Stephen Keshi have set high standards, earning accolades and the adoration of fans for the successes they recorded. The latest torchbearer for the Super […]
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Coaching the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, is one of African football’s most prestigious, yet challenging jobs. Over the years, legendary coaches like Otto Gloria, Clemens Westerhof, Bonfrère Jo and Stephen Keshi have set high standards, earning accolades and the adoration of fans for the successes they recorded.
The latest torchbearer for the Super Eagles is a Franco-Malian coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, who has been handed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year if he achieves notable success with the three-time African champions. During his unveiling in Abuja, Chelle described the Super Eagles’ job as “fantastic.”
To join the elite ranks of Nigeria’s most celebrated coaches, Chelle must excel in both on-field and off-field aspects of his role. Weekend Trust takes a look at the five key areas he must prioritise to be ranked among the best coaches who managed the Super Eagles.
Create a cordial working relationship with players, assistants and backroom staff
A successful football team is built on collaboration and trust, and this starts with the coach’s ability to foster a positive working environment. Chelle must prioritise developing a strong bond with his players, assistants and backroom staff. This involves open communication, mutual respect and clear expectations.
Chelle must adopt a management style that recognises individual strengths while fostering a collective sense of purpose for players. During his unveiling, the Franco-Malian coach said he would talk with the players, be tough with them, yet act as a big brother.
“The Super Eagles is my favourite team and I am committed to building a strong connection with the players. I will be strict but also serve as a big brother to them,” he said.
However, he should be approachable and supportive, providing constructive feedback and motivating his squad to give their best. Treating every player with fairness, whether a seasoned veteran or a young debutant, will ensure a harmonious team atmosphere.
With assistants and backroom staff, Chelle must delegate effectively and trust their expertise in areas such as scouting, medical support and training logistics.
Create a good working relationship with the NFF
The relationship between the coach and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is pivotal to success. Chelle must establish and maintain a professional and productive rapport with the NFF by understanding its expectations and working collaboratively to achieve common goals.
To do this, Chelle should demonstrate transparency in his decision-making process, particularly when it comes to team selection, training programmes and tactical strategies. By involving the NFF in key discussions and aligning his plans with their broader vision for Nigerian football, he can earn the trust and support of the football federation.
Win over Nigerian fans and the media
His appointment was greeted with mixed feelings across the country, with some sections of Nigerians rejecting his appointment. Nigeria’s football fans and the media are passionate, vocal and demanding. Winning their confidence is essential for any coach aiming to leave a lasting legacy.
To achieve this, Chelle should communicate regularly and openly with the media, explaining his strategies, decisions and long-term vision for the team. He must also remain humble and professional in handling criticism as fans and the media can be unforgiving during periods of poor performance.
Engaging with fans is equally important. Chelle should use opportunities like press conferences, interviews and public appearances to express gratitude for their unwavering support and to emphasize their role as the team’s 12th player.
Show technical and tactical competence
To be ranked among the Super Eagles’ best coaches, Chelle must showcase technical and tactical brilliance. Modern football demands adaptability, deep tactical knowledge and meticulous planning.
Already, he has highlighted his preference for an attacking style of play, leaning towards a 4-4-2 diamond formation that emphasises midfield control and offensive fluidity. Speaking during his unveiling, he said, “Scoring goals is a mindset. We need to play aggressively and with intensity. When we lose possession, we must press high and recover the ball quickly.”
Chelle must, therefore, identify a system that maximises the Super Eagles’ strengths—flair, pace and attacking prowess—while addressing recurring issues, such as defensive lapses and midfield frailties. His ability to read games, adapt tactics and make impactful substitutions will be crucial, particularly in high-stake matches.
Produce good results
It is often said that a coach is as good as his last results and ultimately, Chelle’s legacy as a Super Eagles coach will be defined by his results. Nigeria’s fans and stakeholders expect success in major tournaments, and delivering on these expectations is the most direct path to greatness.
His immediate challenge is steering Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is currently struggling in Group D of the qualifiers, sitting second from the bottom with just three points from four matches. His baptism of fire will come in March when the Super Eagles travel to Rwanda for the must-win World Cup qualifier.
In view of the foregoing, Eric Sekou Chelle’s path to becoming one of the Super Eagles’ greatest coaches requires a multifaceted approach. By building strong relationships, earning the trust of fans and stakeholders, showcasing
tactical acumen and delivering results, he has the opportunity to etch his name into Nigeria’s football history.
The journey ahead is challenging, but the rewards are immense. Should Chelle rise to the occasion; he could inspire a new generation of players and fans while securing his place among Nigeria’s most successful senior national team coaches.
3 most successful Super Eagles’ foreign coaches
Otto Gloria (1981–1982)
Although his time with the Super Eagles was brief, the Brazilian coach, Otto Gloria, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s early football successes. Gloria’s greatest achievement came in 1980 when he led Nigeria to her first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. The Super Eagles defeated Algeria 3-0 in the final in Lagos, with standout performances from players like Segun Odegbami and Christian Chukwu.
Clemens Westerhof (1989–1994)
Clemens Westerhof, a Dutch tactician, is often regarded as the most successful coach in the Super Eagles’ history. His tenure from 1989 to 1994 marked a golden era for Nigerian football, during which the team became a dominant force in Africa and gained international recognition.
Under Westerhof’s leadership, Nigeria achieved its second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1994 in Tunisia, defeating Zambia 2-1 in the final. Emmanuel Amunike scored both goals.
But perhaps his most groundbreaking achievement was guiding the Super Eagles to their first-ever World Cup appearance in 1994, as well as being ranked the 5th best in the world, which is Nigeria’s ever highest ranking till date. After topping their group in the tournament, Nigeria made a strong showing in the knockout stages, only to be narrowly eliminated by Italy after extra time in the Round of 16.
Jo Bonfrère (1995–1996, 1999–2001)
Jo Bonfrère, a Dutch coach, was known for his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his players. Bonfrère had two separate stints with Nigeria, both of which yielded significant successes.
In 1996, he made history by leading Nigeria’s U-23 team, dominated by the USA ‘94 heroes to an Olympic gold in Atlanta, defeating Brazil and Argentina along the way. The victory was monumental as Nigeria became the first African country to win Olympic gold in football. STA