Nigeria’s Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has hailed the appointment of Eric Chelle as head coach, Soccernet.ng reports.
Omeruo is convinced Chelle’s arrival serves as a fresh opportunity for all Nigerian players to prove their worth with the national team, especially those not regularly featuring for their clubs.
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The Kasimpasa centre-back, a key figure in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, believes Chelle’s tactical acumen and focus on structure can unlock the potential of the Super Eagles.
Omeruo, one of the longest-serving members of the team, missed Nigeria’s last AFCON qualifiers due to injury but expressed optimism about the squad's future under the new coach.
Speaking during a live session on X (formerly Twitter) alongside Wilfred Ndidi, he said,
“Everyone has to be serious now. It’s like an open trial because some of us haven’t been playing regularly. We have to show the manager that we deserve a place in the team if invited.”
— Kenneth Omeruo (@omeruo22) January 13, 2025
Reflecting on Chelle’s coaching pedigree, Omeruo highlighted Mali’s impressive performances at AFCON as evidence of the tactician’s capabilities.
“Judging from the way the Malian team played not just in friendlies but also at AFCON, you can see an organized structure,” Omeruo noted.
“I think he has something to give to the team. With the level of talent in the Super Eagles, he wouldn’t have any problem making us play the way he wants us to play.”
Omeruo also praised former interim coach Austin Eguavoen for restoring the team’s confidence during his brief stint.
“Kudos to Eguavoen for those games (AFCON qualifiers),” Omeruo said.
“When he took over, our confidence was low, but he helped us get it back. Now, when we are at our best, no country can stand against the Super Eagles.”
Eric Chelle, unveiled on Monday in Abuja, is the 37th coach of the Super Eagles.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed he has signed a two-year contract, with an optional extension if he secures World Cup qualification.
Chelle will also oversee the Super Eagles B team in a supervisory role as they prepare for the 8th African Nations Championship.
The new coach has already brought in three assistants and will collaborate with the existing staff to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand, aiming to make an immediate impact ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.
