Eguavoen Supports Chelle Amid High Expectations Ahead of Nigeria’s Debut
Former Super Eagles coach Augustine Owen Eguavoen endorses Eric Chelle, warning of heightened expectations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Eguavoen emphasizes the need for support, autonomy for Chelle, and believes Nigeria possesses greater talent than Mali. The Super Eagles must win their matches to qualify for the tournament set to take place in America, Canada, and Mexico.
Augustine Owen Eguavoen, the former coach of the Super Eagles, has expressed his support for new coach Eric Chelle while emphasizing the increased pressure he will face. Eguavoen, who previously led the team to qualification for the AFCON 2025 tournament, was in contention for the permanent coaching role but the Nigerian Football Federation appointed Chelle instead. Chelle is set to make his debut with the Super Eagles next week during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.
Eguavoen remarked, “At the senior team level, you need to give the coach all the support you can give him. He will make his decisions, and we won’t force him.” He stressed the importance of results, noting that the coach would be responsible for the team’s performance. Eguavoen believes Chelle is a competent coach, having previously overseen a successful Malian team, but stated, “Mali isn’t Nigeria. If you compare us, we have more talent than the Malian team.”
Eguavoen concluded by assuring that the coaching staff would provide Chelle with ample resources and the autonomy to make his own choices, reinforcing a collaborative approach moving forward. With the Super Eagles aiming for success in their upcoming matches, they must secure victories to enhance their chances of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the Americas.
In summary, former Super Eagles coach Augustine Owen Eguavoen has voiced strong support for new coach Eric Chelle, highlighting the need for his autonomy and the necessity of achieving results. Eguavoen stressed that Nigeria possesses greater talent than Mali and expressed the commitment to provide Chelle with the necessary resources for success. The Super Eagles are set to face a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda, where winning is paramount for their chances of qualification.
Original Source: soccernet.ng
