Ex-Super Eagles coach Adeboye Onigbinde has urged Nigeria’s new head coach Eric Chelle to maximize the country’s football talent for World Cup qualification. Despite star players, Nigeria struggles in Group C. With tough matches ahead, Onigbinde insists tactical management is key to securing victories over Rwanda and other opponents.
Former Super Eagles coach Adeboye Onigbinde has urged new Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle to harness the nation's football talent effectively to secure crucial victories in the World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria, despite boasting top stars like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman, have struggled in Group C, sitting fifth behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho. With automatic qualification only granted to group winners, Chelle faces a tough challenge in reviving Nigeria’s campaign.
Onigbinde emphasized that talent alone isn’t enough and that proper management is key. He believes Nigeria has the potential to defeat Rwanda and other group opponents but stresses the importance of tactical organization. “Nigeria has the players to be one of the best in the world, but how they are managed will determine success,” he said.
Chelle, appointed after a turbulent period with Finidi George and Augustine Eguavoen at the helm, has already engaged with key players in Europe and is considering integrating Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) talents. His leadership will be tested in March when Nigeria resumes qualification matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, followed by an away fixture against South Africa in September.
With South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin leading the group on seven points while Nigeria lags with three, the Super Eagles must deliver strong performances to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
