Ifeanyi Udeze recognizes the potential in Eric Chelle but highlights that former interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has a more established track record in this role.
He suggested 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 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 emphasized 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.
Amid the mixed feelings concerning the appointment of Eric Chelle, football enthusiasts in Nigeria are anxiously waiting to see how the former Mali coach will help the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.