Former Nigerian international Taiwo Oloyede has heaped praise on Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, admitting the Malian tactician exceeded expectations at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and deserves a contract extension, according to Sports247.
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Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports247, Oloyede assessed Nigeria’s AFCON campaign and noted that the Super Eagles performed creditably despite widespread pessimism before the tournament.
“I wouldn’t say the Super Eagles disappointed us,” Oloyede said. “Nobody gave them a chance, especially after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
The players showed they wanted to console the fans. Since we were not going to the World Cup, the Nations Cup became our hope, and they gave Nigerians performances that made people happy.”
While commending the team’s effort at the continental showpiece, the former Stationery Stores captain was quick to stress that failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup remains unacceptable.
“They should be ashamed of themselves for not qualifying for the World Cup. That is the truth,” he added. “But it’s part of football.
We will continue to support them and wish them well as we begin to focus on the next AFCON and the next World Cup.”
Oloyede also commented on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of another election cycle, identifying inconsistency as a major challenge facing Nigerian football.
“Inconsistency has been our bane. The NFF leadership needs to go back to the drawing board,” he said. “Gusau is trying, Shehu Dikko is trying, and Olopade is trying, but they must come out and prove to Nigerians that they are capable.”
Referencing past administrations, Oloyede noted that failure to qualify for major tournaments has often come with consequences.
“In the past, presidents like Amaju Pinnick and Ibrahim Galadima failed to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup and were not re-elected. If the current leadership is seeking another term, they must show they can deliver,” he stated.
On Chelle’s future, the former midfielder was unequivocal in his support for continuity, admitting he initially underestimated the coach.
“Before now, we underrated him, but he has proved himself strong,” Oloyede said. “The football the Super Eagles played under him is something we haven’t seen in the last five years. Peseiro tried, but many people wanted him to fail.
“I believe Chelle should be allowed to continue. If he is given the next four years, maybe we can qualify for the World Cup. He has proved me wrong, and he deserves a new contract.”
Taiwo Oloyede is a celebrated former Nigerian international and a legendary figure at Lagos-based Stationery Stores FC, where he captained the club to an FA Cup title in 1990. Popularly known as “Skippo,” he was a prolific midfielder and penalty specialist.
Since retiring, he has remained active as a football analyst and a strong advocate for the inclusion of home-based NPFL players in the national team.
He was recently honoured by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) as a sporting icon.
