Former Super Eagles international Duke Udi has urged new head coach Eric Sekou Chelle to prioritize player form rather than reputation when selecting the final national team squad. Udi emphasized that national team football is very different from club football and that Chelle should be allowed to implement his own philosophy.
“National team football is different from club side football, and he’s coming on board as a new coach. He needs to bring his own philosophy. Would they allow him to bring his own philosophy? That I don’t know, but if I were to be in his shoes, I would do what would make me get results. He has nothing to fear. He has nothing to lose.
As far as I’m concerned, he’s one of the luckiest coaches who has coached Nigeria because of the current situation that we are in. Why did I say so? Because anything that happens to the national team is not his fault. He has nothing to prove to anybody because he met the situation on the ground,” Udi said.
READ ALSO: Nigeria U17 Women On Track Ahead of South Africa Friendlies at Ikenne Camp
He went on to stress the importance of selecting the best players from across Nigeria. “If I were in his shoes,I would pick players on form in the sense that I would do it the way the Italians do it, the way the British do it and the way the Brazilians do it.
He should know if he’s invited 23, he should be able to know this 23 will deliver for him because they are all Nigerians, and they are qualified to play for the national team from east to west and north. If they are good, the coaching team can help him. Fine! We, as supporters, have to support our national team. That’s what I stand for.”
Udi’s remarks come at a time when expectations are high for the national squad to deliver strong performances on the international stage. His advice reflects a call for a fresh approach, one that values current performance and potential over past accolades, and singles out as important the need for unity and support among Nigerian football fans.
