Super Eagles Assistants Under Scrutiny As NFF Considers Shake-Up

Super Eagles Assistants Under Scrutiny As NFF Considers Shake-Up

By BSN Sports 

Assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu are set to join Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, in Turkey on Monday, March 23, 2026, as preparations intensify for upcoming international friendlies against Iran national football team and Jordan national football team, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The matches are part of broader efforts to ready the team for future competitive fixtures, with both assistants continuing in their roles despite an ongoing internal review of the technical crew.

Sources within the Nigeria Football Federation indicate that the federation’s technical committee has raised concerns over the current composition of the backroom staff, particularly regarding the level of experience available to step into the head coach role if the need arises.

A senior federation official, who requested anonymity, disclosed that discussions are underway about reinforcing the coaching setup with more seasoned Nigerian tacticians to complement head coach Eric Chelle and his team.

“There are doubts about whether the current assistants can immediately assume leadership of the team,” the official said. “This has led to conversations about bringing in more experienced local coaches to strengthen the bench.”

The technical committee is expected to hold consultations with Chelle in the coming weeks to assess possible adjustments to the coaching structure.

Ogunmodede recently enhanced his credentials by obtaining a UEFA B coaching licence in Scotland and made history with Remo Stars F.C., leading the club to its first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League title in the 2024/2025 season. However, the team has endured a difficult run in the current campaign, prompting the appointment of Usman Abdallah as head coach.

In contrast, Ilechukwu has continued to impress domestically, with Enugu Rangers emerging as strong contenders for the league title this season.

Both Ilechukwu and Ogunmodede were appointed to the national team setup on September 2, 2024, by then-interim manager Augustine Eguavoen ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.