The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over its decision to appoint Éric Sékou Chelle, former coach of the Malian national team, as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
In a statement signed by Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the Senate, NANS National Headquarters, the student body described the appointment of Chelle, who lacks a distinguished track record, as inappropriate and disappointing.
The NFF Executive Committee had announced Chelle’s appointment on January 7, 2025. However, NANS expressed disapproval, labeling the decision a “slap on the country” and arguing that more qualified coaches, both local and international, were overlooked.
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The association noted that Chelle’s tenure as head coach of Mali since 2022 was underwhelming, as he failed to qualify the team for the FIFA World Cup or win the Africa Cup of Nations.
NANS emphasized that Nigeria has capable coaches with superior credentials and urged the NFF to consider local talent if an African coach is preferred. They also called on the federation to invest in grooming local coaches, rather than appointing what they described as a “half-baked” option.
The statement read in part:
“We all witnessed how the Malian National Team, the Aiglons, struggled at the 2024 African Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. NANS wonders why the NFF would choose such a person to lead the Super Eagles.
“At 47, Chelle has no laurels to his name as a player, despite featuring for clubs like Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais in France. Nigeria needs a coach with tactical expertise who can harness and maximize the immense talent within the country.
“We condemn this appointment as it falls below the standard expected of Nigeria’s football legacy. Rather than appointing a run-of-the-mill coach, the NFF should consider a Nigerian coach capable of restoring the Super Eagles’ glory on the continent and globally.
“We also doubt Chelle’s ability to secure Nigeria a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, a key mandate given to him by the NFF.
NANS concluded by urging the NFF to reconsider Chelle’s appointment and select a coach who can effectively elevate Nigeria’s football reputation on both African and global stages.
