NFF Under Fire: Eric Chelle’s Appointment as Super Eagles Coach Raises Eyebrows
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Eric Chelle, a former Malian international, as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. This decision has sparked criticism from various quarters, notably from Gara Gombe, the former chairman of Gombe State Football Association.
Gombe expressed his disapproval by labeling Chelle a “baby coach,” questioning his qualifications and experience to manage Nigeria’s national team. He stated, “Who is Chelle? Who knows him? What was his antecedent? Nothing.
For goodness sake, all this waiting since AFCON in Ivory Coast, we cannot get a coach. And we ended up now, after all these years, appointing a kindergarten coach to manage the world-class players that we have. It is really unfortunate.”
Chelle, 47, has a modest coaching résumé, including stints at clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. His international experience is limited to five caps for the Malian national team.
The NFF’s decision to appoint Chelle has been met with skepticism, with critics arguing that his limited experience may not be sufficient to lead a team comprising high-caliber players. Supporters, however, may point to his potential and the fresh perspective he could bring to the Super Eagles.
As Chelle assumes his new role, he faces the immediate challenge of preparing the Super Eagles for upcoming international fixtures, with the expectation of delivering positive results to justify the NFF’s choice.