The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for hiring Éric Sékou Chelle, a 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 NANS Senate, the student body said on Wednesday that Chelle’s appointment was a poor decision, as he lacks an impressive track record.
The NFF Executive Committee announced Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. However, NANS called the decision a “disrespect to the nation” and argued that there are better and more experienced coaches available, both in Nigeria and abroad.
NANS pointed out that Chelle, who started coaching the Malian national team in 2022, failed to qualify them for the World Cup or win the African Cup of Nations.
The association urged the NFF to consider Nigerian coaches with stronger qualifications or look for a better African coach if they prefer hiring from the continent.
