Former Nigeria international Baldwin Bazuaye has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation to show patience with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, warning that rushing decisions could hinder the team’s rebuilding process.
Amid ongoing debates about the future of the national team and its technical direction, Bazuaye believes stability is crucial at this stage.
“Give him time,” he stressed, emphasizing that meaningful progress cannot be achieved overnight.
According to the former international, the Super Eagles are currently in a transition phase — one that requires careful management rather than drastic changes.
He cautioned against the temptation to overhaul the team or replace the coach too quickly, arguing that such moves could disrupt whatever progress has already been made.
“It could be counterproductive,” he implied.
Bazuaye highlighted the importance of allowing the rebuilding process to evolve naturally, with gradual improvements rather than forced transformations.
For him, continuity is key.
Starting all over again, he warned, would only delay progress and make it more difficult to build a cohesive and competitive team.
“We don’t need to restart,” he suggested.
His comments come at a time when pressure is mounting on the NFF to make decisions regarding the future of the coaching setup, especially following recent performances.
While some have called for immediate changes, Bazuaye’s stance offers a more measured approach — one focused on long-term stability.
He believes that with the right support and time, Chelle can guide the team through its transition and lay the foundation for future success.
For Nigerian football, the challenge will be balancing patience with expectations.
But as Bazuaye insists, rushing the process could do more harm than good.
Because in football, rebuilding is not just about change.
It’s about timing, and trust.
