Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has thrown his full support behind newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, expressing strong confidence in the Franco-Malian’s ability to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The endorsement comes at a crucial juncture as the Super Eagles find themselves in a challenging position in their qualification campaign.
Speaking exclusively to Completesports.com following Chelle’s official unveiling at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Lawal addressed the pressing concerns about Nigeria’s current predicament in the World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles currently occupy fifth position in Group C with a mere three points from four matches, still searching for their first victory in the campaign.
Lawal dismissed criticisms centered on Chelle’s Malian background, emphasizing that coaching ability should transcend geographical origins. He pointed to the successful precedent set by Nigerian coaches who have managed teams abroad, citing the late Stephen Keshi and Emmanuel Amuneke as prime examples of African coaches breaking barriers in international football.
The former international’s perspective offers a balanced view of the current situation, acknowledging his general preference for indigenous coaches while recognizing the necessity to support the federation’s choice. I am an advocate of indigenous coaches and support ex-internationals who have the certificate to do the job. But in this case, the people who are in charge of our football have decided that they are going to go for a man from Mali. So what we need to do is to give him support to succeed,” Lawal explained.
His endorsement carries significant weight given the challenging task ahead for Chelle. The new coach faces the immediate challenge of revitalizing a team that has struggled to find its footing in the qualification campaign. Beyond the technical aspects, Chelle must also work to rebuild confidence among players and reconnect with a fanbase eager for success.
Lawal’s comments reflect a broader understanding of modern football’s global nature, where coaching expertise isn’t limited by national boundaries. His emphasis on supporting Chelle’s appointment, regardless of origin, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to achieving Nigeria’s football objectives. The former player’s perspective suggests that the focus should be on Chelle’s capabilities rather than his nationality.
The timing of Chelle’s appointment is particularly crucial given Nigeria’s current position in the World Cup qualifiers. With the team sitting fifth in their group, the new coach must quickly implement effective strategies to turn around the team’s fortunes. The support of respected figures like Lawal could prove invaluable in creating a positive environment for Chelle to execute his plans.
The endorsement from Lawal also serves to address potential concerns within the Nigerian football community about the appointment of a non-Nigerian coach. By highlighting the success of Nigerian coaches abroad, he effectively argues against any double standards in evaluating coaching appointments based on nationality.
As Chelle begins his tenure, the backing of influential voices like Lawal could help create the stable foundation necessary for success. The new coach’s mandate extends beyond merely qualifying for the World Cup; he must also restore the Super Eagles’ reputation as a formidable force in African football.
Looking ahead, the success of Chelle’s tenure will likely depend on how quickly he can implement his vision and secure crucial results in the remaining World Cup qualifiers. Lawal’s vote of confidence suggests that with proper support and patience from all stakeholders, Chelle possesses the capability to guide Nigeria through this challenging period and potentially secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this confidence is well-placed, as Chelle begins the arduous task of rebuilding the Super Eagles’ competitive edge and pursuing the dream of World Cup qualification. With the support of football personalities like Lawal and a clear mandate from the federation, the stage is set for what could be a transformative period in Nigerian football.
