Eric Chelle’s appointment as the new head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles remains uncertain. Although the Franco-Malian coach has been recommended by the technical committee of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, the NFF President, appears to have other plans for the national team.
Since the departure of Finidi George over a month ago, the Super Eagles have been without a head coach.
This vacancy comes just days before Nigeria’s commencement of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The technical committee has put forward Eric Chelle’s name to succeed George.
However, the final decision rests with Gusau, who has shown a preference for a different candidate.
A member of the NFF’s board of directors revealed to OwngoalNigeria that Gusau’s inclination diverges from the technical committee’s recommendation.
This scenario mirrors the appointment process of Finidi George, suggesting that Gusau might again push for a personal choice.
The current coach of Rivers United, Tom Saintfiet, seems to be Gusau’s preferred candidate.
The selection process for the Super Eagles’ head coach saw four candidates interviewed: Hervé Renard, Steve McClaren, Tom Saintfiet, and Eric Chelle.
Renard’s financial demands were deemed excessive, leading to his exclusion.
Steve McClaren, once considered a strong contender, recently accepted the position of head coach for Jamaica’s national team, further narrowing the options.
With Renard and McClaren out of the running, the decision boils down to Eric Chelle and Tom Saintfiet.
Saintfiet, currently the head coach of the Philippines national team, is reportedly prepared to resign to take on the role with the Super Eagles.
The delay in appointing a new head coach has significant implications for the Super Eagles, particularly with the imminent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The uncertainty surrounding the coaching position can affect team morale and preparation.
A swift resolution is crucial to ensure the team is well-prepared and focused on the upcoming matches.
Tom Saintfiet brings a wealth of international experience, having coached several national teams, including Bangladesh, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Togo.
His potential appointment could offer a fresh perspective and new strategies for the Super Eagles.
On the other hand, Eric Chelle’s track record and technical expertise have garnered the support of the technical committee, highlighting his capability to lead the team.
As the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau’s decision will shape the future of the Super Eagles.
The choice between Eric Chelle and Tom Saintfiet represents a critical juncture for Nigerian football.
The selected coach will be tasked with not only steering the team through the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers but also rebuilding and fostering a squad capable of achieving success on the continental and global stages.
The Nigerian football community awaits Gusau’s decision with bated breath, hopeful that the chosen candidate will bring stability, innovation, and victories to the Super Eagles.
With the qualifiers fast approaching, the new head coach will need to hit the ground running, instilling confidence and cohesion within the team to navigate the challenges ahead.
