New Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been urged to make player motivation his top priority as he takes charge of Nigeria\u2019s national team, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Former Super Eagles<\/a> goalkeeper Greg Etafia believes reigniting the players\u2019 desire to fight for the badge is the first step toward success.<\/p>\n Eric Chelle<\/a> has been tasked with steadying an inconsistent Nigeria side that has struggled in World Cup qualification.<\/p>\n Introducing Eric Chelle, New Head Coach of the Super Eagles #soarsupereagles<\/a> #naija4thewin<\/a> #letsdoitagain<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/zxY0GxmTAV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 7, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Despite an impressive run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where they narrowly lost to hosts C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, the Super Eagles have since faltered.<\/p>\n The three-time African champions failed to win a single match in their first four World Cup qualifiers, leaving their chances of reaching the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico hanging by a thread.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong>: \u201cNo reason Nigeria should not beat Rwanda\u201d \u2013 Ex-Super Eagles coach sends Eric Chelle message<\/a><\/p>\n That inconsistency was again on display in the AFCON 2025 qualification. Nigeria booked their ticket with two games to spare but then suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Rwanda at home in their final group match.<\/p>\n Rwanda has stunned Nigeria 2-1 in Uyo in a historic victory in the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers. That\u2019s four points from the two matchups.<\/p>\n Amavubi are tied with Benin on eight points but Benin have a superior record in their head-to-head encounters. Nigeria and Benin qualify! pic.twitter.com\/luRdI9weY1<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) November 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Now, with their World Cup hopes in jeopardy, the Super Eagles must rediscover their winning mentality\u2014something Chelle has been appointed to address.<\/p>\n The Malian tactician has wasted no time, travelling across Europe to meet key players like Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi.<\/p>\n While Etafia commends Chelle\u2019s effort to build relationships with his squad, he insists that the coach must quickly impose his identity on the team.<\/p>\n \u201cI think trying to familiarise himself with the players, especially the established ones since he cannot reach out to everyone but the ones closer to each other in terms of location, is a good thing,\u201d Etafia told The Nation<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cBut he (Chelle) has to try as much as possible to stamp his authority on the team generally, in terms of style of play and winning games, which is the most important thing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first thing is for him to bring out the desire of the players to play for the national team, which is very important.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Chelle has promised an attacking transformation for the Super Eagles, vowing to turn them into a goal-scoring force.<\/p>\n His tenure with Mali reflects that ambition\u2014his team netted over 40 goals in 22 matches, winning 14, drawing five, and losing just three. Mali reached the 2023 AFCON quarterfinals, defeating South Africa and Burkina Faso before losing to C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire after extra time.<\/p>\n Beyond the senior team, Chelle will also oversee preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), but his immediate focus remains to revive Nigeria\u2019s faltering World Cup qualification bid.<\/p>\n The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in their group, behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho\u2014with only the group winners securing an automatic World Cup spot.<\/p>\n Winless in four matches, Nigeria must secure back-to-back victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March to keep their hopes alive.<\/p>\n With time running out, Chelle must quickly restore belief and consistency\u2014something Etafia insists can only happen if the players rediscover their passion for the national team.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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What advice does Greg Etafia have for Eric Chelle?<\/h4>\n
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