Taiwo Oloyede has backed the decision to hand Eric Chelle the additional responsibility of coaching Nigeria’s U-23 national team, describing it as the best strategy for building a stronger Super Eagles squad ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking with Sports247, Oloyede said the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to allow Chelle oversee both the senior national team and the Olympic Eagles would create a seamless transition for young players into the Super Eagles.
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According to him, Nigeria must begin preparations for the next World Cup immediately rather than waiting until the qualifying campaign begins.
“We should start planning now. Four years is just around the corner,” Oloyede said.
“The coach has been given another contract, and now he has the mandate to handle the U-23 team as well. I believe most of those U-23 players will eventually be integrated into the senior national team.”
He noted that many members of the current Super Eagles squad may no longer be available by the time the 2030 FIFA World Cup arrives, making succession planning essential.
“Most of the players in the current team are not going to be at the 2030 World Cup. So we have to start preparing from now,” he added.
Oloyede also urged Nigerian football authorities to give Chelle enough time to implement his ideas instead of changing coaches too frequently.
“Let’s give him a longer contract so he can express himself. If he doesn’t deliver, then the contract can be reviewed. But for now, he deserves the opportunity to build.”
Limited Interest in Ongoing World Cup
Asked about the performances of African teams at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Oloyede admitted he has not been following the tournament closely because Nigeria failed to qualify.
“I’m not showing much interest since Nigeria is not there. I’m just watching with passion. Maybe from the quarter-finals or semi-finals I’ll pay more attention, especially because of the match timings.”
The football stakeholder believes that Nigeria’s long-term success depends on continuity, proper player development, and a clear pathway from the youth national teams to the Super Eagles.
With Eric Chelle now entrusted with overseeing both the senior and U-23 national teams, Oloyede believes Nigeria has an opportunity to establish a unified football philosophy capable of producing sustained success in the years ahead.
