The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its choice to appoint former Malian national team coach Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. In a statement issued by NANS Clerk of the Senate, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, the organization labeled the decision to hire a coach with no significant track record as a mistake. The NFF had announced Chelle’s appointment on January 7, 2025, but NANS argued that this move is “a slap on the country,” suggesting there are more qualified and experienced coaches available in Nigeria and Europe. They pointed out that since Chelle took charge of the Malian team in 2022, he has not led them to World Cup qualifications or victories in the African Cup of Nations. NANS emphasized that numerous Nigerian coaches possess better qualifications than Chelle and urged the NFF to look locally if they prefer an African coach. The student association called on the NFF to rethink its decision and consider hiring a Nigerian or another suitable candidate from Europe. They stressed the importance of developing local coaches by offering them national responsibilities rather than selecting an inexperienced coach from Africa. The statement included remarks about the Malian team’s poor performance in the 2024 African Cup of Nations, wondering why the NFF would choose such a coach for the Super Eagles. It also noted that at 47, Chelle had a playing career in France but without any major achievements. NANS insisted that Nigeria deserves a well-rounded and tactical coach capable of maximizing the country’s talent, condemning the appointment as not up to the standards expected in football. Instead of appointing a mediocre or ordinary coach for Nigeria, the NFF should consider selecting a Nigerian for the Super Eagles coaching position. “We are skeptical about Chelle’s ability to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is a key task assigned to him by the NFF. “We urge the football federation to rethink this decision and provide the country with a coach for the Super Eagles who can restore Nigeria’s pride in soccer, both in Africa and internationally.”
