Emenike backs Chelle to succeed with Super Eagles, doubts World cup qualification

Former Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has expressed confidence that the newly appointed Super Eagles gaffer, Eric Chelle has what it takes to succeed as the country’s national coach.

The Franco-Malian tactician was appointed as the new Eagles manager in January, an appointment that drew nationwide criticism not only on the coach’s credentials but also on the federation as several fans believe an indigenous coach would have been better suited for the national team. 

Chelle’s main task is to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Eagles are in a precarious position as they currently sit fifth out of six teams on the Group C log, four points behind Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic while they are two points behind Lesotho.

In an interview with newstap.com.ng Emenike explained that the NFF must have seen the qualities in the former Malian Coach that made them go for him; saying that he is conversant with African football and as such will succeed with the Super Eagles.

” Chelle is not new to African football. He knows the terrain very well and represented Mali and later became their coach. He did well at the last Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire and I think he has the mentality and quality to succeed with the Super Eagles.

” All that’s needed now is to give him maximum support and I believe with the calibre of players in the present Super Eagles, he will deliver”, he stressed.

On the possibility of Nigeria qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Emenike was emphatic that it will be a difficult task considering the position Nigeria is presently occupying in their Group.

” We must tell ourselves the truth when it comes to qualifying for the next world cup. Personally, I will like Nigeria to be there but the truth of the matter is that it is a very difficult task.

” Well, I don’t know the magic the coaching crew will do because there are no more minnows in African football. We should also realize that the dream of every nation is to be at the world cup and as such other teams in the Group will definitely up their games to ensure they book the ticket ahead of Nigeria “, he concluded.