Former Super Eagles defender Mobi Oparaku has questioned the decision to hand Eric Chelle the additional responsibility of coaching Nigeria’s U-23 national team, insisting the Super Eagles role is already demanding enough.
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The former international believes combining both positions could place unnecessary pressure on the Franco-Malian coach and affect his ability to deliver consistent results with the senior national team.
“The Super Eagles job is demanding enough. Adding the U-23 role could make things more complicated than they need to be,” Oparaku said.
He suggested that the Nigeria Football Federation should appoint a qualified indigenous coach to lead the U-23 side while allowing Chelle to oversee the programme in a supervisory capacity.
According to Oparaku, such an arrangement would ensure continuity in the national team’s playing philosophy without overburdening the Super Eagles coach.
“An indigenous coach can handle the day-to-day work with the U-23 team, while Eric Chelle provides technical guidance and ensures there is a smooth transition to the senior national team,” he added.
Oparaku warned that expecting one coach to manage both teams could ultimately prove counterproductive, especially with the demanding international calendar and the expectations attached to the Super Eagles.
He urged the football authorities to adopt a structure that promotes efficiency and long-term success, while ensuring the country’s youth teams receive the attention they deserve.
