Chelsea’s head of African scouting and former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana has slammed Nigeria’s national team for playing without clear direction under head coach Eric Chelle, warning that the team has lost its football identity.

Nigeria’s inconsistent World Cup qualifying form has put Chelle under pressure, with the Super Eagles needing wins against Lesotho and Benin Republic to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive.

“No structure, no style ” – Olofinjana

Speaking to Vanguard, Olofinjana said Nigeria’s frequent managerial changes have crippled continuity and stifled development.

“Different managers come in with different ideas, but they don’t always get the support they need,” he said.

“The constant hiring and firing of coaches is destabilizing. Managers keep coming and going, and that’s not healthy for the team.”

The former midfielder added that the team now plays without a distinct philosophy.

“When you watch the Super Eagles these days, you see a team without a discernible pattern. We should be able to say, ‘This is their style, this is their philosophy.’ But right now, there’s no clear identity.”

Calls for stability and support

Olofinjana emphasized that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must back its coaches with proper structure and resources if the national team is to progress.

“We need a good manager backed with proper support and respect. Without structure, you can’t build. Until there’s stability and a clear football philosophy, the Super Eagles will continue to wobble,” he said.

Chelle, appointed earlier this year after stints by José Peseiro and Finidi George, has recorded two wins and two draws in four qualifiers.

However, his pragmatic approach has failed to convince critics that Nigeria can compete with Africa’s elite.

The Super Eagles face Lesotho on October 10 and Benin in Uyo four days later, knowing that anything short of back-to-back victories could end their World Cup dreams.