Former defender Douglas Bolaji urges Nigeria to sit back and watch what Eric Chelle and Super Eagles will achieve; npflupdates.com reports.
Eric Chelle earlier this week released a 39-man provisional Super Eagles list for the forthcoming world cup qualifier fixtures.
With three points from four games, the three-time African champions is set to stage a comeback; win all its remaining matches to clinch a world cup ticket.
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The 39-man list has since been met with mixed reactions. Football stakeholders in the country with mixed views have queried the inclusion of some players.
Speaking in a recent interview, former professional Douglas Bolaji, urged Nigerians to be calm.
According to the former defender, coach Chelle is the only person that can give reasons for his selection.
What Douglas Bolaji said about the Super Eagles and Eric Chelle
“He probably has his reasons for this list. But there are names on that list that have no business being there based on their form,” Douglas, who won the Cup Winners Cup title with BCC Lions in 1990, told NationSports .
“Which begs the question what is the criteria for selecting players to the national team these days?
“I don’t know how this list was arrived at or what informed the choice of the players, so it is best one sits back , wish the team well and watch what unfolds.”
Speaking further, Douglas went ahead to question inclusion of Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa. Also, he disputes the invitation of Middlesbrough forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
Per his opinion, the qualifiers given Nigeria’s stand is not time coaches test new players; on the other hand, he clamoured that the best players be invited.
“It is easy to spot the names. Ahmed Musa has served the nation very well; i don’t see what he is still doing there. He is blocking someone’s position. Kelechi Iheanacho has struggled this season. Those two readily come to mind,” Douglas added.
“The national team should never become a rehabilitation centre or a place to come and wind down from the hectic demands on the players by their clubs season.
“While it may be said that now is not the time to experiment with new players, it can equally be said that there should be no room for those not on top of their games,” he said.
Urging Eric Chelle to be his best and shut critics he said, “ Chelle must bring his top game to show doubters that he is the best person for the job.”
The Kwara Water Corporation graduate said that the new coach must show he is fully in charge for the players to close ranks and know that it is different from the previous norms.
He further urged Chelle to instil his philosophy and ensure it is easily understood by the players so to enable them play to their potential and do well in the upcoming games.
“There is always a bounce effect as a result of a new coach, but i think this is not automatic, the coach must first demonstrate that he has come to run changes on the team,” Douglas, who was in the Nigeria’s contingent to the 1987 World University Games in Zagreb, Croatia, disclosed.
“It shouldn’t be the old order where the players feel it is the same old song. If it is like that, they will simply resort to the old norm.
“Chelle has little or no room for error. One can only hope that he knows enough about our team and players to step in and bring out the best in the players.
“I want to believe he took the job because he has a plan in place, he should go in carry out the job believing in his own convictions , football first , shenanigans later,” he concluded.
What Elijah said about Musa and his Super Eagles invitation
In similar story, former Super Eagles defender Sam Elijah feel Ahmed Musa’s invitation is a welcomed development.
The former international cited Musa’s leadership skill, good form and moral boosting approaches.
“Well, I think, in my own opinion, inviting Ahmed Musa back to the national team is a good one.
“Ahmed Musa has been a very great motivator to the team and he is a very highly experienced and disciplined player.
“For the new gaffer to call him, he must have seen something in him. Although Ahmed Musa might not be playing in Europe again, but he is playing in one of the top club sides in Nigeria.
Also read: Ahmed Musa : A Very Healthy Decision By Super Eagles New Coach
“In Nigeria, he has made a lot of impact. He has scored many goals and also influenced the team (Kano Pillars). It is a good moment for him, he can bring his experience to play in the matches and to also motivate others,” he concluded.
