Since Eric Chelle’s appointment as the new Super Eagles coach, a wave of criticism has swept across Nigeria. From journalists in print, broadcast, and social media to everyday citizens on the streets, ridicule has been widespread.
Social media is brimming with memes mocking his selection, but the sharpest sting comes from seasoned journalists who, arguably, should offer more nuanced perspectives.
This is the same Eric Chelle who recently orchestrated a victory against the Super Eagles. He has coached several of Nigeria’s national team players and nearly led Mali to the semi-finals of the Nations Cup, narrowly losing in extra time to hosts Cote d’Ivoire. Despite these achievements, many Nigerians are unwilling to give him a chance. Is this resistance because he’s African? Or because he’s Malian?
Would the reaction have been the same if Chelle were a white coach?
Mali’s connection to French football has cultivated outstanding talent, with Chelle emerging as a testament to this growth. The Yoruba saying, “Inú ìkòkò dúdú ni ẹ̀kọ funfun ti n jáde” (white pap comes from a black pot), aptly applies here. Though Mali has a modest footballing tradition, it has produced one of Africa’s brightest coaching prospects.
Those yearning for big-name coaches like Mourinho, Wenger, or Van Gaal need a reality check—the NFF cannot afford such options. Instead, appointing Chelle is a practical, forward-thinking move. With the right support, he could thrive.
It’s also time to scrutinize our players. Why does Victor Boniface shine for his club but falter for Nigeria? Why does Alex Iwobi excel at Fulham but fall short with the Super Eagles? Why do fitness and tactical discipline often seem lacking? These are critical questions, as a coach can only do so much; ultimately, the players must rise to the occasion.
Nigerians must set aside their biases, accept Chelle’s appointment, and focus on building a unified and competitive team. If Stephen Keshi, with limited coaching experience, could guide Togo to their first World Cup, what prevents Chelle from succeeding with the Super Eagles?
Critics often cite Chelle’s supposed lack of “pedigree.” But what was the pedigree of past Super Eagles coaches? Otto Gloria, Manfred Hoener, Clemens Westerhof, Jo Bonfrere, Philippe Troussier, Gernot Rohr, and José Peseiro—none were notable names in their home countries. Westerhof, for example, was virtually unknown in the Netherlands but transformed Nigeria into a global football force.
Many of these foreign coaches left no lasting legacy. Chelle, however, brings promise. As Mali’s coach, he managed 22 matches, securing 14 wins, 5 draws, and only 3 losses—a record that deserves recognition.
It’s time to give Chelle a fair chance to prove himself.
