FORMER Nigeria internationals and stakeholders have expressed divergent views over the appointment of Eric Chelle as Super Eagles coach, with some questioning the choice of the Malian tactician while others believe he deserves a chance.
Azubuike Egwuekwe, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, expressed disappointment over the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to overlook indigenous coaches for the role.
“When I saw his appointment, I was not really happy because I wanted us to turn to our own. Eguavoen has been doing well in the national team, it was just a matter of giving him the chance,” Egwuekwe told our correspondent.
“For me, I just feel disappointed because why would we appoint a Malian to be our coach when we have good coaches in Nigeria that can lead Nigeria to the level we want. It is just about encouraging them and believing in them.”
Former Gombe FA Chairman, Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, echoed similar sentiments, questioning Chelle’s credentials.
“Nobody knows Chelle. What has he achieved? Nothing except AFCON quarter-final. For goodness sake, all this waiting since AFCON, we cannot get a coach. And we ended up now, appointing a coach who didn’t go as far as we did under Peseiro to manage the world-class players that we have,” Gara-Gombe said.
However, veteran journalist Charles Anazodo believes the appointment makes sense given the circumstances.
“I think nothing is wrong with the appointments to be honest. When you look at how Mali played at the Africa Cup of Nations, they got to the quarter-finals. They lost to the host, the same host that beat us in the final,” Anazodo said.
“What is required, which is essential, is that you get a manager that has African football experience. And that’s what the federation have gone for. You also have to consider the resources before the football federation.”
Football consultant Dan Kakwi highlighted several factors that might have influenced the NFF’s decision.
“The NFF recognized the unique challenges of African qualifiers, which are often characterized by their physicality, mental toughness, and unpredictability. Chelle’s African blend of experience, both as a player and coach, makes him well-suited to navigate these complexities,” Kakwi told our correspondent.
“Furthermore, his enthusiasm for coaching a Nigerian team rich in talent across all positions played a significant role in his appointment. For Chelle, this is a dream opportunity to harness this talent and create a cohesive unit capable of dominating the qualifiers.”
The appointment has also sparked intense debate among fans on social media, with many questioning the choice of the Malian tactician.
“This is an insult to Nigerian coaches,” wrote X user Chidi. “So no Nigerian coach is as good or better than this Malian? No offense or disrespect to him though, but this is unacceptable.”
Another fan, Onwu Chekwaa, highlighted what he sees as a concerning pattern, writing, “Again? Hire a very mid foreign coach, pay him very hefty wages, he comes, underperforms and is happy to even be sacked and collect very hefty compensations.”
Former Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze, however, calls for support for the Malian coach.
“To be honest with you, it’s not what we expected. If we want to qualify for the World Cup, it means we need to win all our six games at the qualifiers and we now hope that those topping in our group drop points”.
“I don’t know if he is the right man to take us to that Promised Land. I’m not sure to be honest but the truth is the NFF has appointed him; all we need to do is give him our support and hope everything works well for him and the Super Eagles. I wish him the best but I doubt he’s capable for the job. It’s up to him to clear my doubts and that of other Nigerians.”
Meanwhile, Eagles forward Moses Simon has publicly welcome the new coach, posting “Bienvenue au Nigeria” (Welcome to Nigeria) on his X account.
However, the NFF remained silent on Chelle’s reported $50,000 monthly salary package when contacted by our correspondent. Calls and text messages sent to the President Ibrahim Gusau and the General Secretary of the federation, Mohammed Sanusi, went unanswered as at the time of filing this report.
Some Nigerian media outlets, not News Point Nigeria, reported that the Malian will earn $50,000 monthly, with his two foreign assistants set to receive $5,000 each.