When the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) announced Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles on Tuesday Night, the decision sparked widespread debate. Was this a bold move to bring fresh ideas, or another chapter in the systemic sidelining of Nigerian coaches? For Yemi Olanrewaju, former Enyimba coach and a rising figure in Nigerian football, the appointment was a moment of reflection—both for what it means for local coaches and the broader dynamics of football development in Nigeria.
In this exclusive interview with elegbetetv.com, Olanrewaju opened up about his journey as a young coach, the challenges Nigerian tacticians face, and his hopes for a future where local talent is trusted to lead the nation’s most treasured team.
“It shocked me,” he admits. But at the same time, I’m hopeful. The people who appointed him must have vetted him well. His record as a coach isn’t bad, and he looks like someone who can do the job. We just have to give him our support because, if he fails, it’s not just him who fails—it’s Nigeria.”
Support is a recurring theme in Olanrewaju’s assessment of the challenges facing Nigerian football, especially when it comes to coaches. For him, the appointment of a foreign coach is less about Chelle’s ability and more about what it symbolizes—a lack of trust in Nigerian coaches to manage the country’s most prestigious team.
Dreams Deferred: The Struggles of Nigerian Coaches
Olanrewaju’s journey into coaching has been anything but easy. As a young coach navigating the intricacies of Nigerian football, he has faced challenges that transcend the pitch.
“Being a local coach here is tough,” he says. “We don’t seem to get the respect we deserve, and that’s partly because of the environment we operate in. If a local coach is appointed and some people’s preferred choice isn’t picked, they resort to attacking and blackmailing the coach. Over time, that stigma rubs off on all of us.”
This isn’t just about public perception. For Olanrewaju, the lack of respect translates into a trust deficit that stifles opportunities for local coaches.
“We always hear that Nigerian coaches lack exposure or experience, but I disagree,” he says firmly. “How do you gain experience without being given time? The problem isn’t exposure—it’s trust. Nobody here believes in us enough to give us the chance to prove ourselves.”
His own career is a testament to this struggle. Despite his success with Enyimba and his tactical approach—rooted in playing from the back and giving young players opportunities—he has found it hard to shake off doubts.
“I’ve been doubted and disrespected, not just because I’m a local coach, but because I’m young,” he explains. “It takes a miracle for people here to believe in young coaches. No matter what you achieve, they’ll always find a reason to doubt you.”
The Chelle Appointment: What It Means
Olanrewaju’s reaction to Chelle’s appointment is measured. While he respects Chelle’s credentials, he can’t ignore what it says about the perception of Nigerian coaches.
“I think it’s a mixed message,” he says. “On one hand, it’s a chance for the Super Eagles to have fresh ideas, and we all want the team to succeed. But on the other hand, it’s hard not to feel like local coaches are being overlooked again.”
He’s quick to dispel the idea that foreign coaches are inherently better. Pointing to Austin Eguavoen’s stint with the Super Eagles, Olanrewaju defends his fellow local coach.
“Coach Eguavoen didn’t do badly,” he says. “The Rwanda game was tough because he rotated the squad and gave some players a chance. That’s what coaching is about—testing players in less critical games so you know what they can offer when it matters. Unfortunately, some of those players let him down, and he got the blame.”
It’s a pattern Olanrewaju knows too well. “The worst thing about coaching is that your players can mess up, but you’ll always be the first to be criticized,” he adds.
What Local Coaches Bring to the Table
Despite the challenges, Olanrewaju firmly believes Nigerian coaches have something unique to offer.
“It’s about passion and understanding the environment,” he says. “We know the players, the culture, the conditions. But of course, that alone doesn’t guarantee success.”
This understanding, he argues, is a foundation that should be built upon, not dismissed.
A Path Forward for Nigerian Coaches
For Olanrewaju, the way forward is twofold: self-improvement and systemic change.
“We need to keep developing ourselves,” he says. “That means going out there, working in other countries, and gaining experience. Look at Keshi and Amuneke—they didn’t just rely on opportunities in Nigeria”
But personal development isn’t enough. Olanrewaju also calls for better infrastructure and support within Nigeria.
“The federation is trying, but each state needs to do more,” he argues. “Some states can’t even boast of one good stadium. How do you expect to develop the game without proper facilities? Improving infrastructure will naturally improve the coaches too.”
A Vision for Nigerian Coaching
Olanrewaju’s vision for Nigerian coaching extends beyond the Super Eagles and Nigeria.
I want to see us dominate Africa, not just in national team jobs but in club management across the continent,” he says. “That won’t come cheaply, though. We have to invest in ourselves and be ready for those opportunities when they come.”
He’s also passionate about mentoring the next generation of coaches, a role he takes seriously.
“I talk to a lot of younger coaches,” he shares. “My advice is always the same: never get satisfied. There’s always more to learn, more books to read, more courses to take. You have to dig deep and constantly improve yourself.”
For now, Olanrewaju remains committed to his craft, driven by a passion for the game and a belief that Nigerian coaches can—and should—be at the forefront of African football.
