Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, will travel to Turkey on Monday night with their current backroom staff intact, despite growing scrutiny over the roles of two local assistant coaches.
Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu are set to retain their positions for the time being, joining head coach Eric Chelle and the rest of the technical crew for upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan. The matches are seen as important preparations for future competitions, but attention has shifted to the composition of the team’s coaching staff.
In recent weeks, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee has been reviewing the suitability of the current assistants. There are concerns within the federation that Chelle may require more experienced Nigerian deputies to strengthen the bench.
A senior official, speaking on the situation, questioned the readiness of the current assistants to step into a leading role if required. “Neither of these assistant coaches can step in to lead the Super Eagles should such an opportunity arise, and that is why the need to look at better qualified coaches on the home front,” the official said.
The NFF technical committee is expected to hold further discussions with Chelle in the near future. These talks will focus on identifying potential local coaching options who could complement the existing setup and provide stronger leadership support if needed.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their positions, both Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu will be part of the travelling delegation to Turkey. Their inclusion suggests that, for now, continuity has been prioritised as the team prepares for its immediate fixtures.
Ogunmodede’s recent career trajectory has drawn mixed reactions. He achieved a significant milestone last season by guiding Remo Stars to their first-ever Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title, marking a historic success for the club. However, his fortunes have since declined, with the team struggling to maintain form in the current campaign. Their difficulties ultimately led to the appointment of former Super Eagles assistant coach Usman Abdallah as head coach of the Ikenne-based side.
In contrast, Ilechukwu’s stock appears to be rising. He currently manages Enugu Rangers, who are among the leading contenders for the league title this season. His performance at club level has been viewed more positively, although questions remain about his readiness for a larger role within the national team setup.
