Former Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to remove Eric Chelle from his role with the Olympic Eagles and allow him to focus exclusively on the Super Eagles.

Chelle is currently coach of both Nigeria’s senior men’s team and the U23 Olympic Eagles, but the arrangement faces a major test during the November international window, when both sides are scheduled to play on the same dates.

Speaking to Ifeanyi Udeze on Brila FM’s breakfast programme No Holds Barred, Onazi said: “Let Eric Chelle concentrate on the Super Eagles. He has a lot of problems to solve with that team already.”

The Super Eagles will play Tanzania in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header, hosting the first match in Uyo on 13 November before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on 17 November.

On those same dates, the Olympic Eagles are due to face DR Congo in a U23 AFCON qualifying tie. The first match will take place in Lubumbashi, with the second being played at home in Ikenne.

The scheduling conflict means Chelle cannot be present with both teams. Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has already criticised the arrangement, describing the dual appointment as “ridiculous”.

Onazi, who helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and formerly played for Lazio, believes the Super Eagles’ current difficulties mean the senior team should take priority.

Pressure on the Super Eagles

Nigeria started their 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Group L campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo. George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored for the Super Eagles.

However, they suffered a 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau four days later. Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo were on target as Nigeria struggled to contain the hosts.

The result left Guinea-Bissau on six points, Nigeria on three, while Madagascar and co-hosts Tanzania had one point each.

Tanzania have already qualified for the 2027 tournament as co-hosts, meaning only one other team from the group will progress. Nigeria must therefore finish above Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar, beginning with the requirement to take maximum points from the two matches against Tanzania and then produce a strong finish in the remaining fixtures.

Chelle acknowledged after the defeat in Guinea-Bissau that Nigeria had been second best, saying the hosts had shown greater intensity and motivation.

The Super Eagles have also continued to show defensive vulnerability and have not kept a clean sheet in recent matches. Chelle still has work to do on squad rotation, introducing new players and restoring confidence following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup.

The dual-role structure was designed to create a common football identity between the Olympic Eagles and the senior side, while helping promising home-based and diaspora players progress into the national team.

But the November fixture clash has highlighted the practical difficulties of the arrangement. Although assistants can oversee one team, the head coach’s presence, selection decisions and tactical direction remain particularly important for a senior side under pressure.

Onazi’s message puts the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign ahead of the Olympic qualification programme, with the NFF now facing a decision over whether Chelle should continue in both positions or concentrate on Nigeria’s senior team.