Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has thrown his support behind plans for Eric Chelle to oversee Nigeria’s U-23 team in addition to his role as head coach of the Super Eagles, describing the move as a major opportunity to strengthen the country’s player development pathway.
While several football stakeholders have expressed concerns over Chelle’s potential dual role, Okpara believes the arrangement could work if properly managed, arguing that it would allow the Franco-Malian coach to identify and nurture the next generation of Super Eagles stars.
“This gives Eric Chelle the opportunity to see more players closely and build for the future of the Super Eagles,” Okpara said.
The former Paris Saint-Germain defender explained that working with the U-23 side would enable Chelle to monitor talents from the U-17, U-20, U-23 teams and the Nigeria Premier Football League, creating a clearer pathway into the senior national team.
According to Okpara, such continuity would be crucial as several experienced Super Eagles players approach the latter stages of their international careers.
“He’ll have a better understanding of the young players coming through and know who is ready to step up whenever senior players retire or become unavailable,” he added.
Okpara noted that one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria has been the transition from youth football to the senior national team, insisting that closer involvement across the different age-grade teams could help solve that problem.
With the Super Eagles entering a new era under Chelle, the former international expressed confidence that greater collaboration between the senior team and the youth national sides could help Nigeria build a stronger, more sustainable squad capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
