Nigeria Newspapers Online

 Last Saturday, I held back from dedicating this col­umn to Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, whose appointment as the head coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles was of­ficially announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The organisation, responsible for man­aging football in Nigeria, took its time selecting Chelle, and I waited for his formal unveiling before of­fering my thoughts.

The caution stemmed from a similar situation involving Ger­man coach Bruno Labbadia, who was prematurely announced as the Super Eagles coach last Au­gust, only to reject the offer short­ly afterward due to unresolved issues. That episode turned into a national embarrassment, and I wanted to avoid being caught in another debacle. With Chelle’s unveiling in Abuja last Monday, it became clear he was committed to the role, setting the stage for what many hope will be a turning point for Nigerian football.

Chelle’s appointment has sparked heated debate across Nigeria. Critics argue that after the lengthy selection process, the NFF should have secured a more high-profile coach to manage one of Africa’s most prestigious foot­ball teams. The skepticism sur­rounding Chelle’s credentials is palpable, with many doubting his capacity to handle the pressures of the Super Eagles. His critics also see his appointment as an insult to Nigerian coaches, who have been overlooked despite possess­ing considerable experience and accolades.

Adding fuel to the controver­sy is Chelle’s reported $50,000 monthly salary. Many Nigerians question why the NFF is willing to pay foreign coaches such high sums while neglecting local tal­ent. The disparity has reignited debates about self-confidence and fairness within Nigeria’s football administration.

Despite the uproar, the reality remains: Eric Chelle has been entrusted with leading the Super Eagles, and it’s in Nigeria’s best in­terest to support him. Whether his tenure will usher in a new dawn or prove to be a false hope depends on his ability to rise to the monumen­tal challenge before him.

Chelle’s immediate focus is guiding the Super Eagles to qual­ify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a daunting task given the team’s precarious position. Nigeria cur­rently sits fifth in their qualify­ing group, with just three points from four games. Rwanda tops the group on goal difference with sev­en points, followed by South Africa and Benin Republic, who also have seven points each. With six match­es left in the series, every game is a must-win for the Super Eagles.

Chelle’s appointment implies he’s aware of the enormity of this challenge. The NFF likely saw in him a potential to “cleanse the Augean stable” of Nigerian foot­ball—a metaphor for addressing long-standing problems and in­efficiencies. This phrase, rooted in Greek mythology, evokes the near-impossible task of clearing King Augeas’ stables, a feat accom­plished by Hercules through inge­nuity and sheer determination. The Super Eagles’ current state mirrors that challenge: riddled with inconsistencies, plagued by administrative missteps, and bur­dened by high expectations.

Chelle’s detractors point to his coaching résumé, which pales in comparison to some Nigerian greats like Sunday Oliseh, Austin Eguavoen, and Samson Siasia. However, former NFF president Amaju Pinnick has defended the appointment, highlighting Chelle’s impressive record during his tenure with Mali. Pinnick not­ed that Chelle oversaw 22 match­es, winning 14, drawing four, and losing just three. He emphasised Chelle’s offensive style, a quality that aligns well with Nigeria’s traditionally attacking brand of football.

Pinnick also revealed that Chelle is bringing a comprehen­sive team of backroom staff, including a set-piece specialist, a match analyst, and a goalkeep­ers’ coach. According to Pinnick, Chelle’s leadership and prepara­tion make him a worthy candidate for the role, urging Nigerians to focus on his capabilities rather than his nationality.

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At his unveiling, Chelle ex­pressed gratitude for the oppor­tunity to coach the Super Eagles, vowing to restore the team’s at­tacking identity. “Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attack­ing style,” he said. “I know the expectations of Nigerians, and I will settle down and work diligent­ly with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Ea­gles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

While his confidence is reas­suring, critics remain sceptical. The postponed African Nations Championship, originally sched­uled for February but now delayed until August, deprives Nigerians of an early opportunity to assess his capabilities. As a result, the World Cup qualifiers in March will serve as the ultimate test of his competence.

The skepticism around Chelle’s appointment is partly fueled by Ni­geria’s history with foreign coaches. While some have achieved notable successes, others have left behind disappointment and unfulfilled promises. This history has created a divided fan base, those who support the decision to hire a foreign coach and those who believe in nurturing homegrown talent.

Chelle’s tenure must bridge this divide. Success on the pitch will be the most effective way to silence critics and unify fans. His stated commitment to attacking football and his team’s performance in the upcoming qualifiers will be crit­ical in winning over a skeptical Nigerian public.

The Super Eagles face a se­ries of must-win games against formidable opponents, including South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Republic. The match against Bafa­na Bafana is particularly signifi­cant; a victory could define Nige­ria’s trajectory in the qualifiers. Chelle’s ability to rally the team, instill discipline, and execute a co­herent game plan will determine whether Nigeria secures a spot in the World Cup.

Nigerians are no strangers to disappointment in football, and patience is running thin. Chelle must deliver not just results but also inspire confidence in his vi­sion for the team. His success or failure will inevitably shape per­ceptions of foreign coaches in Ni­gerian football.

Despite the doubts, there is hope that Chelle’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the Super Eagles. Pinnick’s confidence in Chelle’s credentials and the coach’s determination to prove himself offer a glimmer of optimism. However, the journey ahead is fraught with challenges, and Chelle must navigate them with resilience and innovation.

Ultimately, the success of Chelle’s mission hinges on a col­lective effort. From the NFF’s administrative support to the players’ commitment on the field and the fans’ unwavering support, everyone has a role to play in turn­ing this potential false hope into a triumphant new dawn for Nigeri­an football.

Time will tell if Eric Chelle is the man to lead the Super Eagles to glory. For now, Nigerians watch and wait, hopeful that the coach’s vision and determination will re­store the team’s pride and place among football’s elite.