Mixed reactions as ex-Malian coach Chelle takes over Super Eagles
By Seun Johnson
Football fans have ignited a digital frenzy following the announcement of Eric Sekou Chelle as the new Technical Adviser for the Nigerian Super Eagles.
Chelle, who led the Malian National team to the Quarter final of the 2023 African Cup of Nation in Cote D’Ivoire was announced Tuesday by the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation, following the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for his appointment.
According to the statement issued by the football body, his appointment is with immediate effect, and he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the next round of matches taking place in March.
The 47-year old, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 after extra time, after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.
His appointment as Super Eagles gaffer has sparked an online frenzy, with football fans divided over the decision.
Reacting, an X user with the handle NeoAfricaTalk wrote: “Let’s give him a chance. Though to be honest @thenff have set him up for failure. He will need iceblock to cool his head in the next 2 world Cup qualifiers. And the NFF definitely need someone to use hot water to press their brains.”
Another user, Horlartunjee1 said, “I don’t like how the NFF hires coaches in Nigeria without providing the public with full details of their contracts. How many years has he signed for? What objectives have they agreed upon? What is his salary? These are the things that should be disclosed to the public when announcing a new coach for the national team.”
“I’ve never heard of him before.
I’m wondering if we don’t have better coaches out there to guide the Super Eagles.
Congratulations to him and best wishes,” EJ wrote on his handle.
On his part, Vindicated Chidi said, “This is an insult to Nigerian Coaches.
So no Nigerian coach is as good or better than this Malian? No offense or disrespect to him though but this is unacceptable.
We also need a foreign NFF president. It has to go round.”
Similarly, MOnwuchekwaa wrote on his handle:
“Again?
“Hire a very mid foreign coach, pay him very hefty wages, he comes, underperforms and is happy to even be sacked and collect very hefty compensations. We appoint a home based caretaker coach who does the job better, after a while sack him for another dull@rd who is not Nigerian.
“Rinse and repeat”
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