Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle
Football enthusiasts in Nigeria voiced their frustration with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle on Wednesday, slamming his lackluster performance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The team, comprised of domestic league players, has struggled, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Senegal and a humiliating 4-0 loss to Sudan.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), fans noted that the same squad had thrived under previous coaches Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede before Chelle’s appointment.
Sports writer Francis Adebayo criticized the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to hire Chelle, questioning his credentials.
“When was the last time the Super Eagles were thrashed so badly? A 4-0 loss to Sudan is alarming and unacceptable,” Adebayo told NAN.
He added, “The team narrowly escaped embarrassment against Senegal in their first match.”
Another fan, Daniel Onyenachie, expressed dismay, predicting Chelle’s dismissal.
“I’ve never seen Chelle as fit to coach a football nation like Nigeria. The team looked lost—disorganized defense, chaotic midfield, and no attacking edge.
We’re banking on a miracle for the World Cup qualifiers,” Onyenachie lamented, describing the team’s prospects as akin to “a man stranded in a desert with no water in sight.”
Veteran sports journalist Desmond Ekwueme echoed these sentiments, pointing to Chelle’s failure to inspire the squad.
“The team lacks creativity and defensive sharpness, outplayed by a side not even ranked among Africa’s elite,” Ekwueme said.
He added, “This is a low point for us, and those at the Glass House must regret sidelining home-based coaches.” (NAN)
