The appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as Nigeria’s new Super Eagles head coach has sparked controversy across the country. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the 47-year-old former Mali coach’s appointment on Tuesday, prompting immediate backlash from various stakeholders, including student organizations and football fans.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) staged a protest at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, demanding an immediate reversal of the appointment. NANS Senate Clerk Abdul Yekinn Odunayo called the decision “a slap in the face of our nation’s abundant pool of local coaching talent” and threatened nationwide protests.
Chelle, born to a French father and Malian mother, comes to the role after leading Mali to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals. His immediate tasks include qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and guiding the Super Eagles B team in the 2025 Championship of African Nations (CHAN). The new coach will receive a monthly salary of $55,000 (approximately N84.98 million), while his two assistants will each earn $5,000 monthly.
The appointment has generated significant social media criticism. Former Super Eagles striker Victor Anichebe questioned the selection process on Instagram, while many fans expressed concerns about Chelle’s ability to manage Nigeria’s high-profile players. Some critics, like Twitter user @VindicatedChidi, called the appointment “an insult to Nigerian coaches,” suggesting qualified local candidates were overlooked.
Despite the controversy, some fans have called for patience, arguing that Chelle deserves a chance to prove himself. The coach, who becomes the first non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles, is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Saturday with his assistants and will be unveiled Monday in Abuja.
His first major challenge will be the upcoming World Cup qualification matches in March, with sources close to the NFF indicating that reaching the World Cup finals is a non-negotiable target in his contract.
About the author
Robert Prevost’s Unexpected Path to the Papacy
Tonight, from the Vatican, a stunning development that will reverberate across the Catholic world. The College of Cardinals, in a move that has surprised many, has reportedly chosen Robert Prevost as the successor to the papacy. A figure perhaps less known on the global stage than some of the speculated frontrunners, Robert Prevost's ascent marks a potentially significant turning point for the Church. Robert Prevost, an American prelate who has been serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a crucial Vatican department responsible for recommending candidates for bishoprics worldwide, is now poised to take on the monumental task of leading over a billion Catholics. His background, notably his long service as a missionary in Latin America, particularly in Peru, offers a compelling narrative of a life dedicated to the pastoral needs of the faithful in the developing world. […]
Civilian Lives Lost Amidst India-Pakistan Retaliation
Tonight, from the volatile Line of Control that divides India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, we are receiving deeply concerning reports of civilian casualties following a dangerous escalation of tensions. This after Pakistan's response to India's earlier air strikes manifested in cross-border shelling, leaving a trail of destruction and loss in its wake. Consider the human cost. Buava Singh, a resident of the Poonch district on the Indian side, recounted a devastating scene. A mortar shell, he says, ripped through his niece Ruby Kaur's home in the dead of night. She had simply woken to prepare tea for her ailing husband when tragedy struck. The shrapnel, Singh described, caused fatal head wounds. Ruby Kaur is now dead, and her daughter gravely injured. Adding to the vulnerability, Singh stated the absence of community bunkers in the area, forcing civilians to seek the fragile […]
Inter vs. Barcelona Delivers a Champions League Semi-Final for the Ages
Wow. Just wow. If you missed the Champions League semi-final between Inter and Barcelona, what were you even doing? Because what we just witnessed here in the Inter vs. Barcelona match, folks, was not just a game of football. It was an experience. A three-and-a-half-hour odyssey, punctuated by a staggering 13 goals, a trio of substitute stampedes onto the pitch, and then, almost poetically, as if the heavens themselves were moved by the sheer drama, the rain began to fall. It felt like a cleansing, a baptism after two sides had poured every single ounce of themselves onto that hallowed San Siro turf. We were in a realm beyond strategy boards and tactical formations, a place where pure will and heart collided. This wasn't your typical Champions League semi-final; it was an elongated scream of passion, the kind of spectacle […]
Northampton Shocks Leinster to Reach Champions Cup Final
Well, tonight in Dublin, at the hallowed RDS Arena, we witnessed a seismic shift in the landscape of European rugby. A script no one truly predicted unfolded as Northampton Saints, against all expectations, delivered a jaw-dropping 37-34 defeat to the mighty Leinster, punching their ticket to the Investec Champions Cup final. Consider this: Leinster, the perennial contenders, the standard-bearers of defensive prowess in this competition, had conceded a mere seven tries en route to this semi-final. Seven. Tonight, the Saints, with a relentless attacking fury, breached that seemingly impenetrable wall five times. Five tries, including a hat-trick of blistering scores from the electrifying Tommy Freeman. This was not just a victory; it was a drama of epic proportions. Ten tries were scored in a breathless encounter, a seesaw battle that kept us on the edge of our seats until the […]
Osimhen Eyes New Scoring Landmark as Galatasaray Battles Sivasspor
Tonight in Istanbul, under the floodlights of Rams Park, Victor Osimhen, the undeniable engine of Galatasaray's Super Lig title aspirations, stands on the precipice of a significant personal achievement. The Nigerian international, a force of nature at 26 years old, currently leads the league's scoring charts with a formidable 22 goals, a testament to his predatory instincts in front of the net. He holds a slender two-goal advantage over Istanbul Baลakลehir's Krzysztof Piatek. While the collective glory of a Super Lig triumph undoubtedly fuels Osimhen, the heart of a striker beats with the rhythm of individual milestones. Tonight's encounter against Sivasspor offers him a golden opportunity to not only widen the gap on his nearest rival but also to etch his name further into the annals of his own impressive career. Consider this: Osimhen has already tallied a staggering 31 […]
UFC Legend Mark Kerr’s Dramatic Life Story Comes to Screen with Dwayne Johnson in Lead Role
UFC pioneer Mark Kerr's tumultuous journey through the early days of mixed martial arts is set to captivate audiences in the upcoming biopic "The Smashing Machine," featuring a transformed Dwayne Johnson in what many are calling his most dramatic role to date. Kerr, now 56, earned his intimidating nickname "The Smashing Machine" through his devastating fighting style during MMA's formative years, when fighters often competed multiple times in a single night. The Ohio native's remarkable career included four first-round stoppage wins at UFC 14 and UFC 15 in 1997, with his longest bout lasting just 133 seconds. However, the film delves beyond Kerr's octagon dominance to explore his harrowing struggle with painkiller addiction, which culminated in a life-threatening overdose in 1999. The biopic draws inspiration from the acclaimed 2002 HBO documentary of the same name that chronicled Kerr's rise, fall, […]
Related
England Manager Gareth Southgate Gets Knighthood
Former England manager Gareth Southgate will receive a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, joining the ceremony among other honor recipients. The 54-year-old football manager earned recognition for his services to association football in the New Year Honours, following his leadership of England to consecutive European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, as well as the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. Southgate becomes the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, joining Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson in this distinction. Sir Gareth stepped down from his position after eight years in charge, following England's 2-1 final defeat to Spain in July. Thomas Tuchel subsequently took over the role. Following the December announcement, Southgate shared his response on social media, humorously noting that his family would be unlikely to address him as "Sir." He stated, "It has […]
Thunder Star Drops 34 Points After Learning Hard Lesson From Blown Lead
Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a dominant performance in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, helping his team bounce back with a 123-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers to tie the series 1-1. "You can't just throw the first punch," Gilgeous-Alexander said after Sunday night's game. "You've got to throw all the punches all night." The statement reflected lessons learned from Game 1, when Oklahoma City surrendered a 15-point fourth-quarter lead before losing 111-110 on a last-second basket by Indiana. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals while shooting an impressive 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault highlighted multiple areas of improvement from their opening loss. Oklahoma City capitalized better on Indiana's turnovers, received stronger contributions from Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, nearly doubled their assist total after recording […]
Ronaldo Rejects FIFA World Cup Tournament Despite Multiple Offers
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated he will almost certainly not participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, potentially disappointing FIFA President Gianni Infantino who hoped to feature one of football's most prominent figures at the tournament. The Portugal captain revealed on Saturday that he had received "quite a few" offers from participating clubs to join them for the tournament beginning June 14, but has decided against accepting any of these invitations. "Some things make sense to talk about, other things don't, and, as a person says, you can't take part in everything," Ronaldo explained. "You have to think about the short, medium and long term. It's a decision practically made on my part not to go to the Club World Cup, but I've had quite a few invitations to go." Ronaldo made these comments in Munich, one day before Portugal's UEFA […]
Liverpool’s ยฃ170M Double Swoop: Former Boss Could Hold Key to Arsenal’s Triple Transfer Dream
Arsenal are reportedly exploring multiple transfer targets this summer, with Nico Williams remaining a priority following his standout performances for Spain at the European Championships last summer. The Athletic Club winger has attracted significant interest from top European clubs since the tournament. Arsenal previously pursued Williams last summer, but the Spanish international chose to remain at his boyhood club for another season. Recent reports suggest Arsenal have renewed contact with Williams, with sources indicating a potential deal may be more feasible this transfer window. However, with the club also targeting Martin Zubimendi and seeking a new striker, securing all three signings could prove financially challenging. Arsenal's striker search has focused on several candidates, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among the preferred options. However, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has also emerged as a potential target, particularly given Villa's reported concerns […]
Liverpool Exploring Dual Move for Cherki and Wirtz Following Title Success
Following their Premier League title triumph, Liverpool are reportedly considering moves for both Lyon's Rayan Cherki and Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz during the summer transfer window. The Merseyside club are expected to have approximately ยฃ150 million available for transfers after securing the league title. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, suggested that Lyon's current financial difficulties could create an opportunity for Liverpool to pursue Cherki. Cherki, 21, has a ยฃ20 million release clause with one year remaining on his Lyon contract. The French club's reported financial troubles in Ligue 1 may necessitate player sales, potentially making negotiations more straightforward for interested parties. Manchester City are currently considered the frontrunners for Cherki's signature. However, reports indicate that Liverpool manager Arne Slot has met with the player personally in recent weeks, suggesting genuine interest from the […]
Haliburton Hits Clutch Shot With 0.3 Seconds Left To Steal Game 1
Tyrese Haliburton approached the final seconds with unwavering confidence, a mindset developed through multiple playoff performances. The Indiana Pacers guard delivered a 20-foot pull-up jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining Thursday, completing a dramatic comeback in a 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. This marked Haliburton's fourth crucial shot in closing seconds during the 2025 playoffs. The Pacers had not held a lead until his game-winning basket. "Ultimate confidence in himself," teammate Myles Turner observed. "Some players will say they have it, but there are other players that show it. He wants to be the one to hit that shot. He doesn't shy away from that moment." Haliburton's playoff clutch moments include a driving layup with 1.3 seconds left in overtime during Game 5 against Milwaukee, ending that first-round series. In the second […]
Be the first to leave a comment