Segun Odegbami Backs Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle After Initial Doubts

Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami's thrown his support behind Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of the super eagles after initially questioning the Nigeria Football Federation’s NFF decision to hire him.

From Doubts to Confidence

Chelle 47 year old Franc-Malian, became the 1st non Nigerian African to coach the super eagles when he was appointed in Jan. His selection was met with skepticism due to his limited managerial experience before leading Mali to the 2023 Afcon quarterfinals.

After meeting Chelle alongside NFF Secretary General Muhammed Sanusi and national sports commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Odegbami was convinced of the coach’s detailed plan for the national team.

Odegbami likened Chelle’s strategy to that of Clemens Westerhof, the dutch tactician credited with Nigeria’s golden era in the 1990s. He praised Chelle’s focus on tactical discipline, scouting and building
team that plays with power, speed and confidence.

Chelle’s Tactical Blueprint

“He's been gathering data on all great Nigerian players at home and abroad. He watches each of them at least 5 time in different matches to analyze their strengths and weaknesses” Odegbami wrote in his complete sports column.

Chelle’s game plan emphasizes high pressing when out of possession and swift, clinical counterattacks, hallmarks of Nigeria’s most successful teams.

“These are tactics taken straight from the playbook of Father Tiko & Clemens Westerhof. He reminded me of how nigerian football was at its best quick forwards, swift counterattacks and explosive play down the flanks” Odegbami added.

Must Win World Cup Qualifiers Await

Chelle’s 1st real test comes as Nigeria prepares for 2 vital 2026 FIFA world cup qualifiers. The super eagles travel to Kigali to face Rwanda on Mar 21 before hosting Zimbabwe on March 25.

Sitting 5th in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic and Lesotho. Nigeria must secure crucial points to keep their world cup dreams alive as only the top team earns automatic qualification.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.