A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Super Eagles: Omeruo Rallies Players Under Eric Chelle’s Leadership

For Kenneth Omeruo, a veteran defender in Nigeria’s national football team, the arrival of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles is more than just another managerial appointment—it’s a call to action for players to prove their worth.

As one of the stalwarts of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, Omeruo understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Speaking during a live session on X (formerly Twitter) with teammate Wilfred Ndidi, the Kasimpasa defender expressed optimism about the future under Chelle’s leadership, while challenging his colleagues to take the opportunity seriously.

“Everyone has to be serious now. It’s like an open trial because some of us haven’t been playing regularly. We have to show the manager that we deserve a place in the team if invited,” Omeruo said, emphasizing the competition for spots in the squad.

Having missed Nigeria’s last AFCON qualifiers due to injury, Omeruo is keen to make an impression under Chelle, who has been praised for his tactical expertise and ability to instill discipline. Highlighting Mali’s strong performances during Chelle’s tenure, Omeruo noted, “Judging from the way the Malian team played not just in friendlies but also at AFCON, you can see an organized structure. I think he has something to give to the team.”

Chelle, unveiled in Abuja as the Super Eagles’ 37th head coach, has signed a two-year deal, with an extension on the line if he secures World Cup qualification. His immediate focus will be guiding the team through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March, while also supervising the Super Eagles B team in preparation for the African Nations Championship.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Omeruo also took a moment to commend former interim coach Austin Eguavoen for lifting the squad’s morale during his short stint. “When he took over, our confidence was low, but he helped us get it back. Now, when we are at our best, no country can stand against the Super Eagles,” Omeruo added.

With Chelle bringing in a fresh coaching team and a vision for structured, disciplined football, Omeruo sees the Super Eagles’ wealth of talent as the key to a promising future. “With the level of talent in the Super Eagles, he wouldn’t have any problem making us play the way he wants us to play,” he concluded.

As the countdown begins to the World Cup qualifiers, the message is clear: under Chelle, it’s a clean slate for everyone. The challenge now lies with the players to rise to the occasion and restore Nigeria to the pinnacle of African football.