Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick has spoken out in defense of the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) appointment of Eric Chelle as the new Super Eagles head coach, following protests from fans across the country.
The long-awaited decision to appoint a permanent manager for the Super Eagles was finalized on Tuesday, nearly six months after Finidi George’s resignation.
The announcement that Chelle, a former Mali national team head coach, would take over the reins sparked a wave of criticism from Nigerian supporters, who questioned his ability to lead such a prestigious national team.
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Many fans expressed doubts about Chelle’s credentials, believing that the NFF should have appointed a more experienced or suitable candidate after such a lengthy search.
“We should believe in him (Éric Chelle). We shouldn’t look at the color of his skin.”
– Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick pic.twitter.com/4AZtm4m1bZ
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 9, 2025
Pinnick Defends Chelle’s Appointment
Pinnick, who served as NFF President before, has firmly backed the appointment of Chelle, calling out those who criticized him without understanding his qualifications.
“I got a lot of calls when he was announced. I shook my head because before now, I had already done my intelligence about Eric and I came to realize that some people do not know him,” Pinnick said in an interview with Arise TV.
He pointed out that much of the backlash stemmed from racial bias rather than an evaluation of Chelle’s professional abilities.
“They are just basing their argument on the colour of his skin. They are just being judgmental about the colour of his skin because he’s a black man, not the content of his targets and his deliverables,” Pinnick added.
Chelle’s Track Record in Mali
One of the primary concerns raised by critics was Chelle’s sacking by the Mali Football Federation after a poor start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. This has drawn comparisons with Nigeria’s current struggles. However, Pinnick emphasized that Chelle’s overall track record was commendable.
“He’s got a wonderful record. When he was in Mali, if you look at Mali the last two years, they have been very consistent, consistent in the quality of their play,” Pinnick said.
He pointed out that Chelle’s performance in Mali included 14 wins, 5 draws, and only 3 losses in 22 games, showcasing his offensive coaching style.
“That shows that he is an offensive coach, and Nigeria, traditionally, is an offensive team. That has technically, automatically, and organically prepared him for the challenges to come.”
Chelle’s Backroom Staff
Pinnick also assured fans that Chelle would not be working alone, as he would be bringing a team of backroom staff with him. These will include a set-piece specialist, a match reader, and a goalkeeper coach.
“He’s not just a coach, he’s coming with a retinue of backroom staff, supported by the ones provided by the NFF,” Pinnick explained.
Additionally, the NFF’s Technical Department will provide further support to ensure that Chelle is well-equipped for his role.
