Eric Chelle’s appointment as the new Super Eagles coach has continued to stir debates, with Gara Gombe, the former Gombe FA chairman, voicing his disapproval.
Gombe criticized the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for hiring what he described as a “kindergarten coach” to manage a squad filled with experienced and high-profile players.
Chelle was confirmed as head coach on January 7, 2025, following recommendations by the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee and subsequent approval by the NFF Executive Committee. 
Chelle, a 47-year-old Malian international, earned five caps during his playing career and has managed teams such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
However, Gombe questioned his credentials, asking,Who is Chelle? Who knows him? What was his antecedent? Nothing.
”He added, “For goodness sake, after all this waiting since AFCON in Ivory Coast, we cannot get a coach.”
The former chairman further remarked,We ended up now, after all these years, appointing a kindergarten coach to manage the world-class players that we have. It is really unfortunate.”
Critics believe that the Super Eagles need a coach with a stronger track record and international success to effectively guide the team at a steady speed.
Meanwhile, Chelle’s supporters argue that he should be given the opportunity to prove himself and demonstrate his coaching capabilities.
This will give him a chance to prove his talent and also a way to inspire and motivate other people looking to work in that field.
Moreover, concerns about the NFF’s hiring process have resurfaced, with stakeholders urging transparency and accountability.
Many fans insist that building a winning team requires a coach with proven expertise and strategies to handle pressure on the global stage.
Therefore, expectations are high, and Chelle’s performance will likely determine whether the criticisms are valid or misplaced.
Furthermore, this will demand a lot of his time because there is a lot of work to be done to win over the people.
