Tag: Chelle

  • Super Eagles’ coach demands more inspite Rwanda win

    Super Eagles’ coach demands more inspite Rwanda win

    Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, says the team still needs to improve in spite of the 2-0 victory over the Amavubi of Rwanda on Friday in Kigali.

    The encounter was a matchday 5 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    The Malian said at the post match conference that he is happy with the performance of his players against a tough Rwandan side.

    He expressed delight at the win but stressed the need for the team to improve ahead of there next game on Tuesday in Uyo against bottom placed Zimbabwe.

    “I just want to say it was a difficult game because Rwanda is a good side, I know the coach, he is a good coach, we made a great game too.

    “I am so happy and proud of my players, my guys and the Nigerian people” Chelle said.

    He said the team worked a lot in the last one week sourcing information for his players with lots of video sessions after two training practices.

    “I think the victory or the win is normal because in the first half they had only one chance to score.

    “We keep the ball in the 2nd half. We played two to three systems .

    “I am happy now because this is just one game. We have some weaknesses and some strengths, my job is to think about the game project” Chelle said.

  • Players who should have made Chelle’s squad

    Players who should have made Chelle’s squad

    It could be recalled that Chelle unveiled a list of 39 players for the World Cup Qualifiers last week. That list had eight new boys, while the bulk of the players had been involved with the Super Eagles before. On Tuesday, coach Chelle unveiled the final list, with 16 players removed.

  • WCQ: Chelle’s bold gamble and Nigeria’s World Cup ambition

    WCQ: Chelle’s bold gamble and Nigeria’s World Cup ambition

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria will open camp tomorrow, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali, before facing Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday, March 25.

    Sitting fifth on the log with three points from four matches, Nigeria will reopen their World Cup qualifier campaign on 21st March against Rwanda before hosting Zimbabwe four days later at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo at 5:00 pm. The two games are a must-win for the 2013 African champions.

    Coach Eric Chelle released the final 23-man squad for the crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday. The list has been received with quiet optimism. The squad which is made up of youth and experience have three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight attackers.

    Chelle called up three centre-backs, one left-back (Bruno Onyemaechi), and two right-backs (Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel).

    However, Calvin Bassey, traditionally a centre-back, can provide emergency cover at left-back if needed.

    The midfield selection includes two defensive midfielders (Wilfred Ndidi and Alhassan Yusuf), two central midfielders (Joe Aribo and Papa Daniel Mustapha), and one attacking midfielder (Alex Iwobi).

    Among the eight forwards, there are four centre-forwards (Victor Osimhen, Umar Sadiq, Tolu Arokodare, and Victor Boniface) and four wingers (Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Nathan Tella).

    All three goalkeepers ply their trade on the African continent: Stanley Nwabali (South Africa), Omas Obasogie (Tanzania), and Kayode Bankole (Nigeria, Remo Stars).

    Maduka Okoye, despite impressing in Udinese’s Serie A draw against Lazio on Monday night, missed out. Cyprus-based Adebayo Adeleye also failed to make the final cut.

    Remo Stars’ Bankole is one of only two Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players in the squad, alongside Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha. The two NPFL players and the other first timers are clear gambles Chelle took that could turn out to be the turning point in Nigeria’s bid for the 2026 World Cup ticket. Meanwhile, Tanzania-based Obasogie, one of the three goalkeepers who made the cut previously played for Bendel Insurance before moving abroad last year.

  • X-raying Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad for W’Cup qualifiers

    X-raying Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad for W’Cup qualifiers

    Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has dropped a rare 39-man provisional list for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. ABIODUN ADEWALE assesses the squad as the anxiety rages on ahead of the final 23-man list

    Based on the current form of most Nigerian players abroad, the Super Eagles list for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month was anticipated, but nobody saw the release of a 39-man provisional list coming.

    Usually, there is a supposedly discreet provisional list for matches like these, with rumours also making the rounds about who’s there and who’s not, but it gets pruned to the needed 23-man list before it is made known to the public.

    In a subtle shift from the norm, the Nigeria Football Federation, through the Super Eagles official social media handles, on Tuesday, teased and dropped a list of 39 players that have been picked by the new coach, Eric Chelle for these assignments, leaving the media space awash with questions about the final cut.

    Of course, there is no perfect list and nothing is settled yet. Even the players on the list also got to know via social media, just like the teeming fans that have bombarded social media with requests for the list.

    Provisionally, the list has five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 10 midfielders and 14 names in attack, with seven of the players being potential debutants, if they make the final cut.

    The players in line for their maiden invitations are; Salvia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu, Rangers International’s Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Anthony Dennis who plays for Goztepe in Turkey, Getafe’s Chrisantus Uche, Papa Daniel Mustapha of Niger Tornadoes in the Nigeria topflight, in-form Genk striker Tolu Arokodare and new Sevilla signing Akor Adams.

    Among them are also potential returnees, headlined by 2013 AFCON winner and captain, Ahmed Musa who is currently plying his trade with his boyhood club Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League. Others are Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha, and Joseph Aribo as well as forwards Cyriel Dessers and Nathan Tella.

    New Super Eagles handler, Chelle, must be plotting his final squad ahead of another release, so the players on the list can’t rejoice yet and those who were snubbed must not rule anything out yet.

    But, regardless of the motive to drop the initial list, it’s a quick fix to cushion the bombardment from the fans and in return put pressure on some of the players, especially the potential debutants and returnees, since there would be no camping for them to prove themselves before the bombshell of the final list is dropped.

    Who should be in or out of the final list?

    The two qualifiers are coming up in a fortnight, so, picking the final 23-man list for games at the moment; especially in the thick of European club football is illogical.

    Therefore, the final roster will be hugely influenced by form and unforeseen circumstances, particularly injuries.

    Players like the reigning African Player of The Year Ademola Lookman, on-loan Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, defender William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon, Ola Aina and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are among the ones Nigerians would hope to stay fit for the clashes.

    Osimhen particularly has not featured in the ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifying series due to injuries and the in-form Galatasaray striker has expressed his desire to play at the mundial which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

    “You have to give everything; you know it’s a dream of every youngster to be at the World Cup. Mine is no exception. So for me, I want to be there just like every one of my teammates and we are really looking forward to the game against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to try and correct all the mistakes we have made in the past. So, we will be ready,” Osimhen told journalist Oluwshina Okeleji after a league game in Turkey recently.

    However, few regulars are still giving Chelle and the fans some selection headaches due to their fitness.

    One of them is Italy-based Fisayo Dele-Bashiru whose return date from an injury is said to be near but not specific. Therefore, it remains to be seen how match-fit the Lazio midfielder, who has scored two important goals in his six appearances for Nigeria will be for the clashes.

    Some players like Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke recently returned from injuries as well but they must remain 100 per cent for these assignments.

    The provisional list seems exhaustive with options in every department but there are still questions about some inclusions and even omissions.

    While someone like Enyimba goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena, who was in goal for the CHAN Eagles during their recent qualifiers was snubbed, his deputy at that level, Kayode Bankole got the nod.

    Also, Kelechi Iheanacho, who has settled for more bench roles in the national team recently and also struggling to find his feet at club level, as well as an unfit and unsettled Maduka Okoye got a look at.

    Again, nothing is settled yet, but this is football; before anything happens, it must have been earned or made possible by hard luck.

    If the fans can pray against injuries, the prayer point should be that the 39-man list should not be plagued, so the coach will not be swayed by the urge to just fill voids when players should be competing for spots.

    No player is indispensable, and interestingly, there are potential replacements for almost every player on the list. A testament to Nigeria’s depth of talent but it remains to be seen how the new coach will assemble the bunch for a clean sweep.

    Chelle keeping an eye on the NPFL

    Recently, Chelle has been watching Nigeria Premier Football League matches.

    The Franco-Malian coach was in Ikenne, Lagos and Kano to watch matches involving some of the best teams in the league and it’s good to see him include four NPFL stars (Musa, Onyebuchi, Bankole and Daniel) in his provisional squad although it could have been more.

    Now, thanks to his inclusion, it is safe to think about Musa in the capacity of the Super Eagles captain, a role he last played as a squad player during the 2023 AFCON between January and February 2024 in Ivory Coast. He has been absent from the team since then until he emerged as one of the stars in the Nigerian topflight.

    However, his inclusion wouldn’t have raised eyebrows if it was during the AFCON qualifiers in November when he was taking the league by storm on his return.

    It’s hard to see how the 2013 AFCON winner will break into the star-studded wings without settling for another spell of leadership role on the bench.

    Generally, it won’t be surprising if none of the four players make the final squad. At least, they would be happy they made it this far from the Nigerian top flight.

    Chelle’s mandate

    When the final list is out in another week or thereabouts, disappointments, hisses and criticisms would be inevitable but the ultimate vindication would be results that will reignite the Super Eagles’ campaign in the World Cup qualifiers.

    Coach Chelle, who took over in January, surely has a delicate job.

    As he awaits his first game in charge of the team, the Franco-Malian is caught between reviving the country’s ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifying series and leading the country to their fourth AFCON title when the tournament kicks off by December.

    He has also stressed that his focus will be on the World Cup qualifiers until the 2025 AFCON nears.

    “As I’ve said before, my focus is on my players and March. We need to concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers first, and after that, in October, we can start thinking about AFCON. For now, we need to win two games in March,” Chelle said after the 2025 AFCON draw in January.

    Nigeria risk missing out on the 2026 World Cup, following a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.

    After four matches, the three-time African champions sit in fifth place with just three points, four points behind leaders Rwanda, with six games left to play in the qualifying series.

    March’s fixtures against the Amavubi in Kigali and Zimbabwe are crucial for Nigeria’s chances of securing a ticket to the global football showpiece, as victories in those games are expected to reignite their qualification hopes.

    After the two games in March, the team will also regroup in September and October for their last four games in the series before plotting their route to a fourth AFCON title in December.

  • W’Cup qualifiers: Fans optimistic about Chelle’s squad chances

    W’Cup qualifiers: Fans optimistic about Chelle’s squad chances

    Nigerian football fans have expressed widespread optimism and excitement about the Super Eagles’ new 39-man provisional squad, selected by head coach Eric Chelle for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

    X (formerly Twitter) has erupted with enthusiastic reactions, with supporters highlighting the strategic blend of experienced players and emerging talents that could potentially revive Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.

    The provisional squad, which includes the return of veteran captain Ahmed Musa and maiden call-ups for promising talents like Tolu Arokodare and Chrisantus Uche, has generated significant buzz among football enthusiasts.

    Arokodare’s maiden call-up has been particularly celebrated. The 25-year-old striker from Genk has been in sensational form, leading the Belgium Jupiler Pro League with 16 league goals and 18 goals overall across all competitions. His potential impact has fans buzzing with anticipation.

    Another exciting inclusion is 21-year-old Uche, a Getafe midfielder who has been turning heads in La Liga. Having featured in every league match this season, Uche has already attracted interest from top clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.

    Olu Ginola wrote, “This list looks exciting. Jordan Torunarigha, Igoh Ogbu, and Chrisantus Uche are very timely additions to this team.”

    The sentiment was echoed by fans who appreciated the squad’s composition and potential.

    Femi (@AlaShiNe) expressed relief at some key selections, noting, “Frank Onyeka back on the list! Thank God! Nathan Tella, and OlaOluwa Aina more creativity for the attack.”

    The return of Ahmed Musa particularly resonated with fans as @Nawas_masood highlighted the captain’s significance, saying, “It’s good to have Ahmed Musa back in the team, his experience and his leadership are very important.”

    The same fan also offered constructive criticism, adding, “Victor (Boniface) needs to step up his game, he is yet to have a good game with the national team despite his undeniable talent. Lastly, I hope we will see the Iwobi we have been seeing in Fulham shirt this season.”

    Social media influencer MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) succinctly captured the collective mood with “Great squad depth! Let’s go Eagles.”

    Samuel Ayodotun simply wished the team luck, writing, “Good luck to the Super Eagles”.

    @aims_ukafia provided a different perspective, observing, “I like the inclusion of Chrisantus Uche, Dessers, Tolu and Tella. At least it shows some efforts to consider form in selection. Whether they’ll make the final cut is another question.”

    The squad’s composition reflects an intricate balance between experience and emerging talent. Musa’s return is particularly significant. The most-capped player in Nigerian football history, Musa last featured for the Super Eagles before their silver-winning campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing invaluable leadership to the team.

    The upcoming matches against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Uyo are critical. Currently sitting fifth in Group C, the Super Eagles need consecutive victories to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive. The team trails group leaders Rwanda, making these matches pivotal in their qualification journey.

    As the squad prepares for these crucial encounters, the mood among Nigerian football fans is cautiously optimistic. The blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents offers hope for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

    Coach Chelle’s selection demonstrates a strategic approach to team building, balancing the need for experienced leadership with the dynamism of emerging talents. The provisional squad suggests a forward-looking strategy that could potentially redefine the Super Eagles’ competitive landscape.

  • Super Eagles potentials listed for Chelle as NPFL season resumes

    Super Eagles potentials listed for Chelle as NPFL season resumes

    In continuation of the 2024/25 Nigerian Professional Football League season, matches will resume this weekend across the country after a three week mid-season break which commenced on January 5. The break also marked the opening of the January transfer window which allows clubs to bolster their squads and get ready for the remainder of the season. After reaching the halfway mark, and after 19 games, the race for the title is beginning to take shape. It’s also becoming clear which teams will be battling to avoid relegation.

    Remo Stars finished the first half top of the table with 36 points, Rivers United with 34 points are second on the log, while Shooting Stars, who had a poor start to the season, remarkably climbed to third place on 33 points, upstaging the reigning champions Enugu Rangers on 31 points to the fourth place. El-Kanemi Warriors complete the top five spots with 29 points.

    At the other end of the table, Nasarawa United sit rock bottom in 20th place, followed by Akwa United, who also have 19 points but a better goal difference than the Lafia-based side. Plateau United and Lobi Stars complete the bottom four.

    The return of action will definitely witness intense competition not just among the title contenders but also for those at the basement, who are threatened by relegation.

    Defending champions Rangers International of Enugu will welcome Niger Tornadoes at the Cathedral, Enugu in one of the matches expected to light up the competition today. With an eye for the top, the Flying Antelopes will aim for maximum points even as the men from Minna will want to frustrate them with their tight defensive play.

    Another fixture to look forward to is that between Abia Warriors and mid-table kings Bayelsa United.

    There is also an exciting western derby involving Sunshine Stars and Ikorodu City. Debutants Ikorodu City began the campaign in a whirlwind fashion as they swept to the top at some point. But as the season wore on, the Ikorodu lads found things a bit difficult but still finished the first half of the season at the 6th position in the table, 11 places above Sunshine but separated by 7 points. It will therefore be fight to finish at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode the adopted home of the Akure club.

    Nasarawa United will also host Katsina United in an all northern affair at the Lafia Township Stadium. Action starved fans will be entertained to the best football that can be found in the domestic scene.

    A lot is expected from some of the stars that stood out after some exceptional individual performances in the first half of the season who are captured here.

    Outstanding players

    The halfway point of the season also showcased some exceptional individual performers.

    Here are Afrik-foot.com’s picks for the best XI of the NPFL at the halfway mark. They are Super Eagles potentials that coach Chelle may keep an eye on as one of his mandates is to track local players who could have a chance in the senior national teams.

    NPFL Best XI

    Goalkeeper

    Arguably the best goalkeeper of the season so far, Abdullahi’s outstanding saves and shot-stopping ability have been instrumental in Shooting Stars’ resurgence.

    Often unheralded, Abdullahi has emerged as a key figure for the Ibadan-based side, helping them climb to third place. They have conceded just 13 goals in 19 games, with Abdullahi keeping seven clean sheets. His performances have cemented his reputation as one of the league’s best shot-stoppers.

    Defenders

    Imo Obot (Enyimba)

    The Enyimba defender has been one of the NPFL’s most consistent players.

    Despite Enyimba’s underwhelming season, Obot has shone at left-back, combining defensive solidity with marauding runs down the flanks.

    His free-kick ability further sets him apart. He also featured for the Super Eagles B.

    Sodiq Ismail (Remo Stars)

    Remo Stars’ right-back has continued his fine form from last season, delivering consistent performances.

    He has scored three goals for the ‘Sky Blue Stars,’ contributing significantly to their top-of-the-table position.

    Ismail’s exploits have earned him a call-up to both the Super Eagles A and B teams.

    Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)

    As captain of Remo Stars, Nduka has been a pillar of strength at the back, leading his side to 11 clean sheets.

    His leadership and commanding defensive displays have been vital in Remo Stars’ success.

    Nduka also captained the Super Eagles B team to notable victories.

    Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers)

    A formidable presence at centre-back, Onyebuchi has been a rock for Rangers this season.

    Enugu Rangers take the Lead through Ifeanyi Onyebuchi in the Oriental Derby against Heartland FC

    Known for his physicality and tackling, the 24-year-old has helped Rangers maintain the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding only 11 goals.

    He has been one of the best defenders in the NPFL for the past three seasons in the NPFL and loves to score goals too.

    Midfielders

    Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)

    The veteran midfielder continues to defy age, delivering stellar performances for Kano Pillars.

    With three goals and four assists, his creativity and set-piece prowess have made him a fan favourite.

    Blessed with a terrific left foot, the 22-year year old has continued to wow fans in Minna and other match centre in the first half of the season and justifies his place in the team.

    Forwards

    Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)

    Despite Nasarawa United’s struggles, Yusuf has been a standout performer, leading the NPFL scoring charts with 10 goals.

    Forwards

    Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)

    Despite Nasarawa United’s struggles, Yusuf has been a standout performer, leading the NPFL scoring charts with 10 goals.

    His clinical finishing and positional awareness have made him a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for his team.

    With Anas back after national team duties, he might be the tonic Nasarawa United need to fight their way out of the relegation zone.

    Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)

    Musa’s return to Kano Pillars has been nothing short of impactful.

    The Super Eagles captain has scored six goals and provided three assists in just 13 appearances, starting the season on match-day five against Sunshine Stars.

    His individual brilliance, especially in a thrilling 4-3 away win against Enugu Rangers, has been a highlight of the season.

    Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United)

    Ogbole has quietly been one of the NPFL’s most effective forwards, scoring seven goals for Kwara United.

    His performances have been crucial in keeping his team afloat, and his efforts have earned him a spot in the Super Eagles B team.

    He is blessed with pace and good shooting ability, which should come handy for Kwara United in the second round.

    Coach: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars)

    Fresh from leading the Super Eagles B to qualify for the 2025 CHAN tournament, Ogunmodede is our pick for this team of the season at the halfway mark.

    He has turned Remo Stars into a household name on the local scene with some swash-buckling football that has seen them top the league table with 36 points scoring 23 goals after 19 matches – the second highest after Ikorodu City’s 25 goals. They won 11 games, drew three and lost five to be the team to beat as the second round has commenced.

    Honourable mentions

    A lot of players have also done well this season, but only eleven can make it into the starting eleven.

    However, there are other players who did well and made it to the substitute bench.

    Serge Obassa (Remo Stars), Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors), Mustapha Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors), Stephen Manyo (Rivers United), Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City), Isaac Saviour (Rangers).

  • NFF should beware of ‘Ides of March’

    NFF should beware of ‘Ides of March’

    When the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, announced the hiring of former Mali manager, Eric Chelle, as the new coach of the Super Eagles, not a few eyebrows were raised. From Sokoto to Maiduguri, and from Abeokuta to Calabar, voices were raised in surprise. Who is Eric Chelle? Nigerians asked, what is his coaching pedigree? What is his football background? These and many other questions were thrown at random by football loving Nigerians, who believe that with the quality of players available to the Super Eagles, and the type of football Nigerians want to see, only a football coach with a credible CV should handle the Eagles.

    From all indications, the NFF expected the backlash from Nigerians, and was prepared for the massive resistance to the announcement. This leads me to believe that those who sponsored Eric Chelle’s appointment, must be very powerful football figures, either within the NFF, or within the Nigerian football fraternity. Within minutes of the announcement, there was an unprecedented media blitz, targeted at selling Chelle to Nigerians at any cost.

    With the voices of football loving Nigerians screaming against the appointment, the NFF, went to town with its preplanned counteroffensive. Wherever there were dissenting voices, you were sure to hear a notable football voice going against the general complaint. FIFA Council member and former NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, was in the forefront of the NFF counteroffensive. He took the battle to the Arise News Channel, where he extolled the virtues of Eric Chelle to the rooftop. Most people, though, took Pinnick’s praises with a pinch of salt, recalling that the same Pinnick, had some years ago, presented Sunday Oliseh, as the African Pep Guardiola.

    A toga which Oliseh could not sustain for even a few months, before things went awry. Other notable voices that supported the Chelle announcement include Chris Green, a former NFF board member. Former African footballer of the year, Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF Technical Committee, threw his weight behind the appointment, as did former Super Eagles striker, Julius Aghahowa. The number of sports journalists who wrote verses chanting Chelle’s qualification to lead the Super Eagles, are too numerous to mention, so I will leave their names out, but remark that they were many.

    Come Monday 13th January 2025, at the media center of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja the venue for the unveiling of Chelle, one could feel something was in the air. The extra security around the stadium, sent a clear message to mischief makers, that it would not be their day. On the WhatsApp platform of the Sportswriters Association of Nigeria SWAN, FCT chapter, a battle of those for, and those against the appointment, had been bitterly fought, until that very morning, with neither side calling a truce.

    Despite that battle, however, sportswriters besieged the venue of the unveiling, with a battery of television cameras in evidence, as the sports crew of both local and international television stations waited to capture every moment of the occasion. Before then, sports journalists had discussed in muted tones, whether President Tinubu would support a Malian, bearing in mind the current political tensions in ECOWAS, where Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have rebelled against Tinubu’s headship of the regional body, by dissociating themselves from it. Some wondered whether regional politics could scuttle the appointment. The NFF, as a footnote, ensured that journalists were aware that Chelle has a French father, and should therefore be considered a Frenchman. The five matches Chelle played for the Malian national team, however, gives the lie to this argument, as he remains Malian in football terms.

    Back to our unveiling; from the onset, you could tell that the NFF did not want anything to go wrong. With a purported protest by the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, hanging in the air, and a general discontentment with the entire Chelle situation by the public, one could understand the heightened security at the venue. The entire top brass of the NFF, was in attendance, as a mark of solidarity, alongside the chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko. For a moment, Eric Chelle seemed lost in the midst of Nigerian football dignitaries, but by expressing himself in English, and stating his love for the Super Eagles, he endeared himself to some journalists.

    Finally, the contract was signed, and the NFF have won, or so it seemed. Fast-forward a few days later, however, and Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, one of Nigeria’s football icons, fires a salvo at the NFF for lacking the love of football. He accused the NFF of being populated by politicians, who only see football through a political lens. He rounded off by saying that trophies would be elusive to Nigeria under such administrators. Segun Odegbami, another football hero, said he has been stunned into silence by the choice of Eric Chelle. According to him, he would adopt a siddon look attitude, until Chelle proved himself. There are also reports that legendary Super Eagles front man, Kanu Nwankwo, is also not sitting pretty with the appointment, with the Enyimba FC chairman, voicing his disapproval to close associates.

    From all indications, the battle line has been drawn, between the NFF, and those skeptical about Chelle. Majority of Nigerians are baffled at how the NFF has loudly backed Chelle, when it was unwilling to back Finidi George, while his tenure lasted. The question then is; does the NFF hate Nigeria’s ex-internationals? The answer is neither here nor there, suffice it to say that what I’ll term “the ides of March,” to borrow from William Shakespeare, is just around the corner. With two crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures, in March, against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, the NFF and Eric Chelle have their work cut out for them. They must beware of those two matches in March.

    Nothing but victory will satisfy Nigerians. Especially those criticizing the choice of Chelle. There will be no room for propaganda, as the performance of the Super Eagles in those games, would determine whether Eric Chelle and the NFF would survive. For now, many silent voices are watching and waiting, while expecting the worst, and hoping for the best. It follows therefore, that until the successful prosecution of those two fixtures, it is not yet Uhuru for Eric Chelle and the NFF.