February 03 2024: Eric Chelle Mali // during a African Cup of Nations Quarter final game, Ivory Coast vs Mali, at Stade de la Paix, Bouake, Ivory Coast. Photo by IMAGO
The Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) appointment of Eric Chelle as head coach of the Super Eagles has sparked controversy, with former Gombe FA chairman Gara Gombe strongly criticizing the decision, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelle, a former Mali international, becomes the first non-Nigerian African to manage the Super Eagles, following his endorsement by the NFF Executive Committee based on a recommendation from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
Chelle, 47, replaces Augustine Eguavoen, who had served as caretaker coach, steering Nigeria to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a game to spare.
Despite Chelle’s experience coaching clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, and guiding Mali to the AFCON quarterfinals last year, Gombe remains unconvinced.
In an interview with Brila FM, Gombe labeled Chelle’s appointment a “wrong step” and criticised the NFF’s inability to secure a more renowned tactician.
“Who is Chelle? Who knows him? What are his antecedents? Nothing!” Gombe questioned.
“For goodness’ sake, since AFCON we couldn’t get a coach, and now we end up with a kindergarten coach to manage the world-class players we have. It’s unfortunate for Nigeria.”
Gombe argued that Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles captain who lifted the AFCON trophy in 1994 and led the team to a third-place finish as coach in 2006, would have been a more logical choice.
He contended that Chelle lacks the credibility and experience required to lead the Super Eagles effectively.
Chelle’s first test comes in March when Nigeria resumes its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles currently sit in a precarious position in Group C, winless after four matches and trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin by four points each.
The new head coach faces a daunting challenge to galvanise the Super Eagles, with decisive matches against Rwanda and other group rivals determining their fate in the qualification race.
This post was last modified on January 8, 2025 3:34 pm