Choice of Chelle for Super Eagles divides stakeholders

• We have capable hands in Nigeria, says Oloyede
• NFF has taken our football backward – Gombe
• He is a world-class tactician – Anthony

The decision by the Board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to appoint ex-Malian player, Eric Sekou Chelle, as new head coach of the Super Eagles, has divided stakeholders nationwide.

The NFF settled for the 47-year-old Chelle for the Eagles’ job on Tuesday based on a recommendation from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

Chelle’s coaching experience with clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran notwithstanding, some stakeholders felt the NFF took its gamble too far.

Former Nigerian international and ex-Stationary Stores player, Coach Taiwo Oloyede, questioned NFF’s decision to bring in a foreign coach instead of promoting local expertise.

Oloyede’s outburst adds to the growing debate over the NFF’s long-term strategy for the Super Eagles.

“It’s like I will quit coaching and join another job,” Oloyede said. “How can a Malian come and coach our senior national team? It is clear that this NFF don’t know what they are doing.”

According to Oloyede, the NFF has added to the frustration of many local coaches and football stakeholders. “We have capable hands here in Nigeria. Why not give one of us the chance to handle the team? The NFF has consistently overlooked homegrown talent for key coaching positions and it is not good for our football.”

The appointment of Eric Chelle as the new Super Eagles coach also drew sharp criticism from former chairman of the Gombe Football Association, Gara Gombe.

He labelled Chelle a ‘baby’ and ‘kindergarten’ coach, just as he expressed strong disapproval of the NFF’s decision.

Speaking with Brila FM yesterday, Gara Gombe argued that