Ex-Eagles Coach Okpala: Chelle’s Done Well, But Only a Nigerian Can Take Us Further

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Former Super Eagles assistant coach Sylvanus Okpala praises Éric Chelle’s turnaround of the national team since January 2025. Under the Malian’s leadership, Nigeria went unbeaten in six World Cup qualifiers and claimed bronze at the 2025 AFCON with five straight wins. Despite these successes, Okpala argues that the team’s true potential will only be unlocked under a homegrown coach. He believes Nigerian managers have a proven track record in high-pressure moments and can guide the Super Eagles to greater heights. “Chelle has done his best, and we’ve seen fantastic games,” Okpala told a local newspaper. “But where we are now isn’t where we need to be. It will take Nigerian coaches to get us to the level we aspire to.”

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