Former Nigeria international Friday Ekpo has opposed the proposal for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to also take charge of Nigeria’s U-23 national team, insisting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should appoint a separate coach for the age-grade side.
Ekpo argued that Nigeria has enough qualified coaches to manage its various national teams, stressing that each squad deserves a dedicated technical crew.
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“Eric Chelle should not coach two national teams. Nigeria has enough capable coaches to handle the different sides,” Ekpo said.
The former Super Eagles midfielder warned that managing both the senior national team and the U-23 side simultaneously could affect player scouting, team preparation and performance, particularly when competitions and training camps overlap.
According to him, appointing separate coaches would allow each team to receive the attention it deserves while ensuring proper player development.
“Every national team deserves a coach whose full attention is on that squad. That will improve planning, player development and overall performance,” he added.
Ekpo urged the NFF to strengthen its technical structure by appointing a dedicated U-23 coach who would work closely with Chelle to ensure continuity between the age-grade team and the Super Eagles.
He maintained that such an arrangement would ease the workload on the Super Eagles coach while creating a smoother pathway for young players progressing to the senior national team.
