“Stamp your authority” – Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper advises Eric Chelle

Former international goalkeeper Greg Etafia has offered advice to newly appointed Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle on how to manage the Super Eagles and establish his presence within the team.

A few months ago, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Chelle’s appointment as the new head coach, replacing interim manager Augustine Eguavoen.

Eguavoen had already led the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, but his tenure struggled during the World Cup qualifiers, with Nigeria sitting fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches.

Now tasked with guiding the team to qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, Chelle faces significant pressure.

Etafia, reflecting on the situation, stressed the importance of Chelle immediately asserting his authority over the squad.

“I think trying to familiarize himself with the players, especially the established ones, is a good thing, especially since he cannot reach out to everyone but the ones closer to each other in terms of location,” Etafia explained, as quoted by The Nations.

“But he has to try as much as possible to stamp his authority on the team, in terms of style of play and winning games, which is the most important thing.”

Etafia further emphasized that Chelle must ignite a strong desire in the players to represent their country.

“The first thing is for him to bring out the desire of the players to play for the national team, which is very important,” he added.

Chelle and his squad face crucial back-to-back fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, where consecutive victories are essential to keep their World Cup aspirations alive after a winless start to the qualifiers.