Former Nigeria international Bright Omokaro during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa believes the Super Eagles are moving in the right direction under head coach Eric Chelle, following the team’s recent success at the Unity Cup.
Nigeria claimed the tournament title despite being without several established stars, defeating Zimbabwe 2-0 before cruising to a 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final. One of the standout performers was forward Femi Azeez, who emerged as one of the revelations of the competition.
Speaking to Footy-Africa, Omokaro praised Chelle’s handling of the tournament and the sense of unity he has fostered within the squad.
“I gave kudos to him for how he prosecuted the Unity Cup,” Omokaro said. “Before that match, I was interviewed and I told them that this was the exact kind of cohesion we used to have back when we were playing for Nigeria.”
Abdullahi Bewene ready to grasp Super Eagles opportunity after surprise call-up
“Think about it: of the high-profile professionals playing for our national team today, how many are actual first-choice starters at their respective clubs?”
The former midfielder also welcomed Chelle’s decision to hand senior debuts to three Nigeria Premier Football League players, describing it as a positive step towards rebuilding competition within the national team setup.
“When we were playing for the Super Eagles, there was a deliberate blend of local and international talent,” he said.
“The local players were hungry to go abroad, and the international players were determined not to lose their jerseys. That created constant, healthy competition. I think these upcoming matches are designed for the coach to truly assess the new boys he has injected into the squad.”
Poland vs Nigeria prediction, betting tips: Iwobi to return to action for Super Eagles
Omokaro, however, warned that Chelle’s long-term success will depend on his ability to resist external pressure and maintain full control over team selection.
“He is absolutely moving in the right direction,” he added. “Another thing that will keep him successful is if he completely tunes out outside interference. He needs to forget about anyone dictating which players he should or shouldn’t use. He is the one in charge, and ultimately, he is the one who will face the sack if things go wrong.”
The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner believes the squad’s growing confidence and unity could provide a strong foundation for future success.
“Football is a round object—it can roll in any direction,” he said. “Even if you own the ball, if you take it to the pitch without the right discipline, preparation and tactical regimen, the game will disgrace you. Right now, I believe they are heading in a great direction and the focus is there. The team’s morale is high, and I expect a favourable outcome.”
Nigeria’s progress will face another stern examination when they take on Portugal in an international friendly. The Super Eagles will be without star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, while Portugal are expected to field a full-strength squad that could include Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite the challenges, Omokaro insists Nigeria should not be intimidated by big names.
“I understand the concern about facing world-class players, but look at history,” he said. “Take Roger Milla, for example. When we played Cameroon, I went toe-to-toe with him. At the time, he was celebrated as one of the best players in the world and Cameroon built everything around him. But on the pitch, we contained him and he couldn’t move.”
“When you decide on a clear plan and possess that collective spirit of ‘I want to win’, everything else—including the reputation of the opposition—becomes secondary.”
DOMINANCE 💯
Three goals on Saturday sealed a fourth consecutive Unity Cup title for the Super Eagles.#UnityCup #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/Mhy4mBAPph
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 1, 2026
Omokaro concluded by reiterating his hope of seeing Nigeria return to football’s biggest stage and re-establish itself among the world’s elite nations.
“As a Nigerian, my expectation remains unchanged: I want us at the very top,” he said. “If there is anything humanly possible, that can be done to make Nigeria the best team in the world, I would support it. I played for this country, and I am a Nigerian. I will always want the best for the team, and our expectation must always be to sit at the top.”
