Former Super Falcons coach Kadiri Ikhana has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for appointing Malian Éric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, describing the decision as “terrible” and unfair to local coaches.
Chelle’s appointment was confirmed by the NFF on Tuesday, sparking widespread reactions from Nigerian football stakeholders, including ex-internationals who believe the role should have gone to a homegrown coach.
Ikhana, who famously led Enyimba to their historic CAF Champions League triumph in 2003, expressed his disappointment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“I think it is a terrible decision because Éric Chelle is not better than our local coaches,” Ikhana said. “If we don’t give our local coaches the chance to grow, how do they develop?”
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The veteran coach argued that several Nigerian coaches have proven their worth at both league and international levels but continue to be overlooked by the NFF.
“There are many homegrown coaches who have proved themselves in the league and, most importantly, at international assignments, but strangely they are ignored by the NFF,” he added. “They need this type of opportunity to gather enough experience and prove themselves at the international level. Sincerely, I am not happy about this.”
Chelle, 47, previously managed the Malian national team but has limited experience on the big stage. His appointment has raised questions about whether he is the right fit to lead a Super Eagles team with ambitions of reclaiming continental dominance.
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