By SCM Sports Desk I Tuesday, September 01, 2026
ABUJA — In a strategic move to restore Nigeria’s football prestige on the global stage, Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has officially announced the appointment of Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and Ortega Deniran as his assistant coaches for the Olympic Eagles.
The duo will join the Franco-Malian tactician on the technical bench as Nigeria launches its qualifying campaign for the football event of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The appointments were confirmed in a statement released in Abuja by Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the Office of the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Expressing satisfaction with his new backroom staff, Chelle highlighted the tactical qualities and modern approach brought by both coaches, describing them as two of the most promising young minds in Nigerian football coaching today.
Bright Ozebagbe has made a name for himself in domestic football as the Technical Adviser of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Ikorodu City. Under his guidance, the Lagos-based club mounted an impressive campaign last season, missing out on a continental ticket only on the final day of the league.
Ortega Deniran brings extensive international and national team experience. A former professional forward with playing stints across Europe and Asia, Deniran holds a UEFA coaching license acquired through the Scottish Football Association.
He previously served as an assistant coach with Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, helping guide the squad through regional and continental competitions.
Chelle, who was appointed to steer Nigeria’s national team structure, continues his dual oversight over the senior national team and the Olympic Eagles project.
Having previously coached the Malian national team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Chelle is known for his structured defensive organization and fluid transitions.
The integration of local league insight via Ozebagbe and European-certified methodology via Deniran is expected to create a robust Scouting and preparation system for the U-23 team.
Nigeria has a rich heritage in Olympic football, famously winning Africa’s first gold medal in the event at the Atlanta 1996 Games, followed by a silver medal at Beijing 2008 and a bronze medal at Rio 2016.
However, recent qualification setbacks have left the Olympic Eagles eager to reclaim their spot among the world’s elite.
Preparations and NSC Mandate
The National Sports Commission has reaffirmed its full backing for Chelle’s technical crew. Camping is slated to open shortly in Abuja, where Chelle, Ozebagbe, and Deniran will begin evaluating talent from both the domestic league and overseas academies.
With the NSC targeting not just qualification but a podium return at LA 2028, the arrival of Ozebagbe and Deniran marks the formal beginning of Nigeria’s quest for Olympic redemption.
