On Wednesday, January 8, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expressed strong disappointment over the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to hire Éric Sékou Chelle, a former coach of the Malian national football team, as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
In a statement signed by Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, the Clerk of the Senate at NANS National Headquarters, the student group criticized the appointment of Chelle, calling it “an aberration” because they feel he lacks an impressive track record.
The NFF announced Chelle as the new coach on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. However, NANS believes there are better and more experienced coaches, both in Nigeria and abroad, who could lead the Super Eagles.
The student body pointed out that since Chelle became the head coach of the Malian national team in 2022, he has not qualified them for the World Cup or won the Africa Cup of Nations, and questioned why he was chosen for such an important role.
The association argued that Nigeria has local coaches with better experience and qualifications. They suggested that if an African coach was preferred, the NFF should search for someone from Nigeria or Europe.
“We all saw how the Malian National Team struggled at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Why then would the NFF choose him to coach the Super Eagles?” the statement said.
NANS also urged the NFF to focus on developing local coaches and giving them more opportunities to prove themselves. “Instead of appointing a ‘half-baked’ coach from another country, the NFF should look within for talent,” the statement added.
The student body emphasized the need for a coach who is tactical, experienced, and capable of leading Nigeria to success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “We seriously doubt if Chelle can secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, a major mandate given to him by the NFF,” they said.
NANS called on the NFF to reconsider the decision and choose a coach who will restore Nigeria’s glory in football both in Africa and worldwide.
