Eric Chelle has been offered a new role as the U23 MNT coach when he pens his Super Eagles contract extension.

The reality of a long term deal to keep Chelle on as Super Eagles coach has received plaudits, but on the other hand there has been pushbacks from a section of stakeholders over the added responsibility.

Nigeria missed back to back world cup tournaments and a similar situation with the Men’s Football Olympic tournament.

Since 2016 where the U23 Eagles finished in third place at the Games, Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2020 and 2024 edition of the Summer Games.

While Chelle is highly regarded for turning the Super Eagles around in terms of the team’s overall performance, concerns abound on the duality of roles which some have argued is extra weight and unnecessary distraction.

Joining the call to reevaluate the decision is former Super Eagles forward, John Utaka.

Speaking on Brila Media’s Breakfast show, ‘No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze’, Utaka argues it will be stressful for the coach.

“I do believe that there were meetings between him and the FA to arrive at that decision.

Also read: Austel Elumelu: ‘Eric Chelle will Succeed Only If….’

“If the people in the Federation believe he can handle both that is fine,” he continued. “But handling the Super Eagles and the Olympic team might be stressful for a Coach.”

Currently a youth coach with French side Montpellier, John Utaka suggested a proper structure and implementing processes for age grade football in the Country.

“There are different categories of teams at age grade you have U17, U18 and so on. Ideally, the teams should have their respective coaches and different ones too, but let’s see how it goes.”