Okocha’s harsh criticism of Eric Chelle sparks debate, NFF reacts

• Austine Okocha stated that sacking the current NFF board is necessary for meaningful progress in Nigerian football
• Eric Chelle faces pressure to secure back-to-back wins in March to revive Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• The NFF’s technical committee criticised Okocha, stating his comments could harm his reputation as a respected football legend

The appointment of Malian coach Eric Chelle as the new head of the Nigerian senior national football team, Super Eagles has become a recent topic of controversy, with former Super Eagles captain Austine Okocha voicing his disapproval. 

Okocha questioned Chelle’s credentials and suitability for the role, asserting that the decision might derail Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Okocha’s comments came against the backdrop of Nigeria’s underwhelming start to the World Cup qualifiers, where the Super Eagles currently sit fifth in their six-team group. 

With just three points, they trail group leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin by four points, and their campaign has been marred by disappointing results, including three 1-1 draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and a 2-1 loss to Benin.

Blaming the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the team's struggles, Okocha called for the removal of the current board, insisting that significant progress would remain elusive without leadership changes. The Super Eagles legend also claimed that Chelle would be first to know he has failed if he doesn’t qualify for the World Cup,

“This is a results business. If we don’t qualify, God forbid, he will be the first to know he has failed,” he said.

NFF reacts to Okocha’s comments

His remarks have sparked widespread debate, with a member of the NFF's technical committee hitting back, urging Okocha to "taste his words properly before spitting them out." 

The official defended Chelle, stating that legends like Okocha should support the coach rather than undermine him,

”A coach has been appointed and the normal thing to do is to back the coach, but Okocha did the opposite. As a legend I expect him to taste his words properly before spitting them out. His ranting won’t distract the coach at all and remember Chelle named him among his favourite Super Eagles players of all time. Okocha shouldn’t spoil his reputation in Nigeria, Africa and the world.” he stated.

Ikpeba criticises legends’ lack of support

Notably, former Super Eagles star Victor Ikpeba criticised the lack of support for previous coaches and called for ex-internationals to rally behind Chelle, 

"Let us rally around the manager and players. If we win the two games in March, we are back in contention for the World Cup," Ikpeba said. He also lamented the silence of former players during past managerial disputes, emphasising the importance of solidarity in difficult times.

Eric Chelle faces an uphill task in turning around Nigeria's qualification campaign. The Super Eagles must secure victories in their upcoming fixtures; an away clash against Rwanda in Kigali and a home game against Zimbabwe. 

Both matches are seen as must-win encounters to revive their fading World Cup dreams.

NFF sympathises with board vice president after encounter with armed robbers

Previously, TheRadar reported that Felix Anyansi-Agwu, the first vice president of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and a revered figure in Nigerian football, is recovering after a terrifying armed robbery at his residence in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja. 

The NFF, led by President Ibrahim Gusau, has rallied around Anyansi-Agwu in the aftermath of the incident. Gusau, accompanied by NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, visited the family to show support and offer prayers for a swift recovery.