Former Nigeria international Abiodun Baruwa has said if the country continue to have faith in head coach Eric Chelle he will qualify the Super Eagles for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle’s Reign As Super Eagles Coach
Chelle was appointed when the Super Eagles were in the middle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Unfortunately, Chelle could not secure the ticket as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana clinched the top spot.
Despite finishing in second place the Super Eagles made it to the African qualifying playoff but lost on penalties to Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.
Since coming on board Chelle has led the Super Eagles to win the Unity Cup twice and a third place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Also he guided the team to a 2-2 draw with Poland before narrowly losing 2-1 to Portugal, in a double header international friendly matches.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Chelle Reviving Super Eagles’ Glory Days; Gusau’s NFF Leadership On Course — Akwuegbu
Speaking to Proudly Austin, Baruwa who was part of the Super Eagles squad to the 1998 World Cup in France, said:“I think he is a good coach for Nigeria. If we stick with him, trust him, he will qualify us for the next World Cup. I believe in that.”
I Still Need To See More Of Arthur Okonkwo
The reign of Chelle as Eagles coach has seen the introduction of young players among which include Wrexham first choice goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
The former Arsenal player made his debut for the team against Zimbabwe in their first match at the Unity Cup in May, and kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win.
Commenting on the emergence of Okonkwo, Baruwa said he still needs to see more of the young goalkeeper.
“I saw him briefly. Ball handling is okay but I need to see more of him because I never watch him with Wrexham,” he added.
“I saw him for a couple of minutes, he is decent, he is doing what he is supposed to be doing. But, it takes time to build to this level.”
Race For AFCON 2027 Ticket
The Super Eagles will be back in action in September when the qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON will begin.
To reach the tournament, Chelle and his team must navigate through a group that has hosts Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
By James Agberebi
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Source: Complete Sports
