The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has faced backlash following its decision to appoint Eric Chelle as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
Former Gombe FA chairman Gara Gombe has criticized this move, questioning Chelle’s credentials and experience.
Chelle, a former Mali international, has made history as the first non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles.
His appointment was approved by the NFF Executive Committee after receiving a recommendation from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
The 47-year-old coach takes over from Augustine Eguavoen, who successfully led Nigeria to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a game to spare.
Despite his previous coaching roles with clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, as well as guiding Mali to the AFCON quarterfinals last year,
Gombe is not convinced of Chelle’s suitability for the job.
“Who is Chelle? Who knows him? What are his antecedents? Nothing!” Gombe questioned.
“For goodness’ sake, since AFCON we couldn’t get a coach, and now we end up with a kindergarten coach to manage the world-class players we have. It’s unfortunate for Nigeria.”
Chelle’s first major challenge will be in March when Nigeria resumes its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
Currently, the Super Eagles find themselves in a difficult situation in Group C, having not won any of their four matches and trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin by four points each.
