In a dramatic turn of events, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), calling for the immediate reversal of Eric Sekou Chelle’s appointment as the head coach of the Super Eagles. This development has sparked a wave of dissent, culminating in a protest staged at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday.
NANS, the vocal body representing Nigerian students nationwide, has declared Chelle’s appointment a “disservice to Nigerian football,” vowing to intensify their campaign unless their demands are met. Speaking passionately during the protest, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the Senate at the NANS National Headquarters, articulated the collective frustration of students across the country.
“We are gathered here today to address an issue that has not only baffled us but also drawn widespread disapproval from Nigerian students and sports enthusiasts alike,” Odunayo began.
“On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students, I categorically express our displeasure over the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. This decision is not only unacceptable but also a slap in the face of our nation’s abundant pool of local coaching talent,” he added.
Odunayo further criticized the NFF for overlooking competent indigenous coaches, stating that such a move undermines the growth of Nigerian football and the development of homegrown talents. “This appointment reeks of a lack of faith in our local expertise. We have seasoned, tactical Nigerian coaches who are fully capable of leading the Super Eagles to greater heights. This is a clear betrayal of national pride,” he said.
Chelle, who previously managed Mali’s national team and several clubs, was dismissed from his role with Mali in June 2024 due to underperformance. His appointment by the NFF earlier this week came with a mandate to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. However, NANS has expressed doubts about his capabilities, citing his recent dismissal and lack of familiarity with Nigerian football as red flags.
“This appointment is not just about football; it’s about the identity and dignity of a nation,” Odunayo stressed. “NANS will not stand by while the future of our national team is placed in the hands of an individual whose track record does not inspire confidence. Consequently, we are compelled to organize a nationwide protest to demand the immediate reversal of this decision.”
The students have also called for a more strategic and qualified coach to take the reins of the Super Eagles, one who can harness the country’s rich reservoir of football talent.
NANS’s planned nationwide protest threatens to escalate tensions between the students and the NFF, which has so far remained silent on the matter. With the clock ticking and public sentiment growing increasingly restless, the federation faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of Nigeria’s vibrant student body.
As the controversy deepens, football enthusiasts and stakeholders are watching closely, aware that the outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for future engagements between the NFF and the Nigerian public. Will the students’ voices compel the NFF to reconsider its decision, or will Eric Sekou Chelle remain at the helm of Nigeria’s beloved Super Eagles? Only time will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 