Julius OkorieAs reactions continue to trail appointment of Eric Chelle as new Super Eagles coach, former international Ifeanyi Udeze has faulted that choice by the NFF, insisting that Austin Eguavoen is a better man for the job.
While recognsing the potentials of the former Mali coach, Udeze says that putting both men on the scale, Eguavoen boasts of better track record regarding the role in question.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe former Super Eagles and Kavala of Greece defender noted that while Chelle may bring fresh perspectives to the team, his recent experience as the head coach of Mali, where he was sacked after a challenging World Cup qualifying campaign, raises questions about his suitability for the position at this time.
During his appearance on Brila FM’s No Holds Barred, Udeze posed thoughtful questions regarding Chelle’s qualifications. He noted, “A coach Mali sacked for a poor run in the World Cup qualifiers, does he deserve this job?”
“The most annoying thing is that Augustine Eguavoen, who was our interim coach, has a better CV than this Eric Chelle. On what grounds was Chelle employed?” he queried even as he joined the school of thought that believes that Chelle took the job to boost his CV.
“He took the job to enhance his CV. He doesn’t care whether we qualify for the World Cup or not. That’s the only reason he accepted the job.”
Udeze emphasised that while career advancement is a natural part of coaching, the focus should ultimately be on the team’s success. He believes that Eguavoen’s proven experience could have better served the Super Eagles during this crucial qualifying phase.
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Udeze who made 35 appearances for the Super Eagles between 2000 and 2005 was noted for his assertiveness, intelligent marking and remarkable recovery rate. He was Nigeria’s most fouled defender in games he featured in.
There is no doubt that many soccer enthusiasts in the country are worried over the appointment and the chances of Super Eagles to qualify for the next World cup after missing the last one in Qatar by whiskers.
Meanwhile, Chelle, the man of the moment is expected to touch down in Abuja on Sunday to cement his contract with the Glass House.
His arrival will offer him an opportunity to personally answer for himself and tell Nigerians eager to hear from the horse’s mouth why he thinks he has the magic wand at this time to take Eagles to the World Cup.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
