Chelle's Super Eagles appointment sparks outrage: Nigerian students body NANS demand reversal

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles. 

In a statement issued on January 8, 2025, NANS outlined five key reasons for their disapproval of Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

1. Lack of Proven Success: NANS pointed out that Chelle's tenure as the head coach of the Malian national team was marked by underachievement. 

Despite being in charge since 2022, Chelle failed to qualify Mali for the World Cup and did not win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

NANS raised concerns over why the NFF would choose a coach with such a lackluster record to lead the Super Eagles.

2. Underwhelming Coaching Pedigree: NANS criticized Chelle's coaching background, which they deemed insufficient for the caliber of the Super Eagles. 

The student body emphasized that there are more qualified and experienced coaches, both in Nigeria and abroad, who could have been chosen for the role. 

NANS described Chelle's record as subpar and argued that his appointment represents a missed opportunity for the NFF to select a coach with a more impressive resume.

3. Limited Playing Career: Chelle's playing career was another factor that led to NANS' condemnation. 

NANS noted that the new Super Eagles coach had a modest career, featuring for smaller clubs in France such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. 

NANS expressed concern that Chelle had never played for any top-tier football club, raising doubts about his qualifications as a coach.

4. Failure to Impress in the 2024 AFCON: NANS specifically cited the Malian national team's poor performance at the 2024 African Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire as evidence of Chelle's lack of tactical acumen. 

The team struggled significantly during the tournament, and NANS questioned why the NFF would select a coach who had failed to inspire success in such a major competition.

5. Need for a Local Coach: NANS urged the NFF to reconsider the appointment and instead hire a Nigerian coach or a more qualified foreign tactician. 

They argued that appointing a local coach would not only help develop Nigerian football but also align with the national interest, rather than opting for a foreign coach with limited credentials.

In conclusion, NANS called on the NFF to rethink their decision, emphasizing the importance of selecting a coach capable of leading the Super Eagles to success on the African and global stages.

Wale Adejumo

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