Nigeria risk making the next generation of Super Eagles players learn international football too late if Eric Chelle waits for senior stars to leave before preparing their replacements, with former midfielder Friday Ekpo urging the coach to start a gradual transition while experienced players can still guide those coming behind them, Footynaija.com reports.
The challenge for Chelle is to build for the future without weakening the team in the present. Nigeria still need the experience of established internationals in demanding matches, but younger players also need meaningful opportunities if they are to handle the pressure when bigger responsibilities come their way.
Chelle has already given fresh faces opportunities under his leadership. His September squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers included first-time senior call-ups for Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena, while a separate squad for the October friendly against Russia offered further opportunities to younger prospects.
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Those selections opened the door, but getting into camp is only the beginning of a player’s development at international level.
Ekpo wants youngsters to learn before veterans leave
Speaking to Sports247, Ekpo said the coach needed a clear programme for bringing younger players into the side, particularly as some established internationals move into the later stages of their careers.
“He should have seen that these players, they are above 30-plus, and they are almost out of it,” the former Nigeria international said.
Ekpo’s proposal is to introduce younger players alongside senior teammates during matches, allowing them to learn from those who already understand the demands of international football. The coach can then assess their progress through substitutions and increased playing time instead of expecting them to take over immediately.
The former midfielder also warned against treating age as a reason to discard experienced players before their replacements are ready.
“You can’t just push them out. We need the experience, we need the exposure, and the younger ones will have to learn from the older ones,” he said.
That balance is important for a Nigeria side preparing for future AFCON campaigns and the next World Cup qualification cycle. A promising young player may have the ability to earn a place, but international experience takes time to develop.
Ekpo believes the work cannot be postponed until retirement forces the issue.
“So, it will take time, but we need to start doing it now,” he concluded.
For Chelle, the task is to turn opportunities into preparation, ensuring that when senior players eventually step aside, Nigeria already have successors who understand the demands of the Super Eagles.
