Former Super Eagles star Seyi Olofinjana has taken a dig at Eric Chelle’s tactics, claiming he does not have a pattern.
Nigeria’s faltering World Cup qualifying campaign has put head coach Eric Chelle under a lot of pressure.
The team faces the risk of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which would mark their second consecutive absence from the competition.
The Super Eagles face crucial final qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, knowing that anything less than two victories could extinguish their hopes of reaching the tournament.
Olofinjana slams Chelle’s tactics
Olofinjana has emphasised the importance of a “good manager” who receives adequate support from the country’s football authorities.
Seyi Olofinjana. (Photo Credit: Imago)
“First, we need to talk about managers,” Olofinjana told Vanguard. Different managers come in with different ideas, but they don’t always get the support they need.
“For example, one manager walked away because he felt he wasn’t being backed enough by the NFF. Another came in at a crucial time but didn’t last long either.
“And yet another had the best record, but some argue he took the job too late to really make an impact. The bottom line is this: the constant hiring and firing of coaches is destabilising. Managers keep coming and going, and that’s not healthy for the team.”
Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles coach. – CAF
Olofinjana claimed that this managerial appointment process has left the Super Eagles without a distinct playing style.
“From where I stand, the bigger problem is lack of structure and identity,” he added. “When you watch the Super Eagles these days, you see a team without a discernible pattern.
“It shouldn’t be so. We should be able to say, ‘This is their style, this is their philosophy.’ But right now, there’s no clear identity.”
Nigeria is scheduled to play Lesotho on October 10th, followed by Benin in Uyo four days later and Chelle will be hoping to win both games, with some players out of the clash due to injury.