Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have protested the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The protest, which took place on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, saw students express their dissatisfaction with the decision, calling for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to reverse the appointment immediately.
Led by the clerk of the Senate, Abdul Yekinn Odunayo, NANS criticised Chelle’s appointment, arguing that it did not meet the expectations of Nigerian football fans. The students threatened to escalate their protest nationwide unless a more qualified coach, capable of utilising Nigeria’s abundant football talent, is appointed.
Also Read: Éric Chelle Appointed Super Eagles Head Coach
The NFF officially confirmed Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the horizon. The former Mali national team coach, who has managed several clubs in Europe, takes on the responsibility of leading the Super Eagles to secure a spot in the World Cup through the upcoming March qualifiers.
Chelle, who has experience managing clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne, was dismissed as Mali’s head coach in June 2024. His appointment by the NFF is part of their strategic plan to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the next matches set for March.
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