Julius OkorieFormer Super Eagles captain Austine Jay-Jay Okocha has canvassed support for Super Eagles new coach Eric Chelle.
Okocha who had taken Chelle’s appointment which received mixed reactions from far and near with a pinch of salt, said it was important that the new coach gets maximum support from fans and all stakeholders, noting that it will benefit all should he succeed in qualifying the country for the next World Cup.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDuring an interview with Lagos Talks FM, Okocha pointed out that the decision to appoint Chelle was made by the NFF, adding that the focus now should be on providing him with the resources and backing necessary to implement his vision for the team.
He stated, “We should give him a chance to do his job and must support him and the NFF. If we come together as one, there is a greater chance for us to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We all want the team to qualify for the World Cup because we all benefit when they are doing well,” he submitted.
The midfield maestro whose 73 appearances for the national team between 1993 and 2006 still resonates with fans thanks to his dribbles and sense of humour while on the pitch, opined that success of the new coach hinges not only on the coaching staff but on every stakeholder of the round leather game in the country.
The call for support for the former Mali coach does not however indicate that the former Bolton and PSG talisman is a fan of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as he recently expressed dissatisfaction over the affairs of the Federation.
According to Okocha who made 454 career appearances for seven different clubs with 89 goals to his credit, Nigeria may not be able to win any trophy, should the NFF continue in their way of management, suggesting that a new and purposeful leadership is needed.
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“The Super Eagles may not win any trophy until the current NFF officials are dissolved or reformed,”
“Appoint new officials who know more about football, who have interest in football, who love football, whose lifestyles represent football” he had said shortly after the surprise appointment of Eric Chelle by the football house.
On calls from some quarters that he offers apologies following the his verdict on NFF, Okocha who scored 14 goals for the Super Eagles ,wondered whether the right to express personal opinion and freedom of speech in the country is now dead and buried.
“I have received series of messages to apologise to NFF, and my question is, ‘for what? For demanding a better committee?’ No, I can’t apologise while I just made my own personal opinion. Don’t we have right for freedom of speech again in Nigeria?” Okocha was quoted by Owngoal Nigeria.
“Football is the only ties that keep Nigeria going as one. It is our only source of Joy. If you politicise it what will be our hope tomorrow? We must be free and allowed to express our minds.”
Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle is on the verge on embarking on interactive session with some foreign based players with a view to cementing relationship ahead of qualifiers for the World cup in March.
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.
