England-based Nigerian coach Ayodeji-Ifeoluwa Aleshinloye has shared what he believes are important steps that could help Eric Chelle and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) build a stronger Super Eagles team capable of competing for AFCON titles and returning to the FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
Speaking to Flashscore, Aleshinloye backed Chelle to succeed as Nigeria coach but said that success will depend on more than just the manager. According to him, the NFF must give the Super Eagles boss enough time, proper support and the freedom to do his job without unnecessary interference.
The coach also said Nigeria has spent too many years changing managers whenever results fall short, making it difficult for the national team to develop a clear style of play. He believes keeping faith with Chelle could help bring stability and long term progress.
Aleshinloye’s first advice was for Chelle to give the Super Eagles a clear football identity.
“Every successful team has a style of play that people immediately recognise. Right now, Nigeria has quality players, but sometimes we don’t have a consistent style of play.”
He also called for more competition within the squad, saying no player should feel guaranteed a place in the team.
“Nobody should feel he is guaranteed a place in the Super Eagles. Selection should be based on form, commitment, and how well a player fits into the system.”
The England-based coach also urged Chelle to build a stronger mentality within the squad, saying Nigeria’s problem has never been a lack of talent. He added that players performing well in the Nigeria Premier Football League should be given genuine opportunities to fight for places in the national team.
Aleshinloye’s final message was directed at the NFF. He said the federation must stand by the coach, avoid interfering in football matters and allow the technical crew to carry out its plans.
“The NFF must resist the temptation to interfere in football matters and instead provide the coach with stability, patience and the support he needs to implement his ideas. Coaches should be assessed over a reasonable period, not judged after every disappointing result.”
He added that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup should be a lesson rather than a setback. With better planning, patience and the right structure, Aleshinloye believes the Super Eagles can return to competing with the best teams in Africa and on the world stage.
