A Coach’s Warning: Managing Nigeria’s Talent is Key

As Eric Chelle settles into his new role as Super Eagles head coach, he faces a crucial test in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. With the team struggling in Group C, former national team boss Chief Adeboye Onigbinde has sent him a clear message: talent alone is not enough.

Nigeria boasts a squad filled with European-based stars, from Victor Boniface in Germany to Ademola Lookman in Italy. Yet, despite this firepower, the Super Eagles are currently fifth in the group, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin.

Onigbinde, a seasoned tactician who led Nigeria to the 1984 AFCON final, believes the country has all the tools to dominate. However, he warns that proper team management will be the difference between success and failure.

“If you consider Nigeria’s natural talent, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t beat Rwanda,” Onigbinde told Complete Sports. “Not just Rwanda, but every team in our group. The problem isn’t talent—it’s how we manage it.”

With crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, Chelle has limited time to mold a winning team. His efforts to engage key players like Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, alongside scouting talent from the NPFL, will be vital.

Can Chelle bring Nigeria back to the World Cup for the first time since 2018? The journey continues, but as Onigbinde warns, talent without strategy won’t be enough.