I want Eric Chelle’s job – Nigeria’s Olympic gold medallist eyes Super Eagles manager role

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has thrown his hat into the ring for the Super Eagles top job, publicly declaring his interest in replacing current head coach Eric Chelle if the position becomes vacant.

Chelle, who only took charge of Nigeria’s national team in January, is already under pressure as the Super Eagles sit six points behind Group C leaders South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With only the group winner guaranteed a direct ticket to the tournament, Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread.

September’s back-to-back qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa could determine the fate of the Malian coach, despite him leading the team to an unbeaten run in his first five games and clinching the Unity Cup in London.

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Former Roda JC midfielder Garba Lawal has thrown his hat in the ring should Chelle gets the boot.

Speaking to PSN, Lawal made his ambitions clear:

“I aspire to coach the Super Eagles. Every top coach in the country harbors the ambition to lead the national team, and I’m no different. With self-belief, confidence, and God’s grace, anything is possible.”

Currently serving as General Manager of Kada Warriors in the Nigerian National League (NNL), Lawal maintains a strong presence in coaching circles.

“If I notice something the coach might have missed, I draw his attention to it. Don’t forget, I also have a background in the NFF’s technical department.”

Lawal enjoyed an accomplished playing career spanning Tunisia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Bulgaria, Sweden, Greece, and China, before returning to Nigeria in 2007. 

The 51-year-old transitioned to a player-coach role with Lobi Stars in 2009, eventually becoming their assistant coach in 2013 and later, General Manager of Kaduna United in 2014.

Highly regarded for his versatility, Lawal was an integral part of Nigeria’s golden generation, earning 57 caps and scoring six goals. He played in two FIFA World Cups (1998 and 2002) and won Olympic gold at Atlanta ’96. At the Africa Cup of Nations, he featured in four tournaments (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006), scoring in all but his debut edition.

Still, Lawal may find the Super Eagles job not easy to come by (ask Emmanuel Amuneke) and certainly a tough one to handle (ask Finidi George) when handed the reins.