Nigerian football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has openly criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
According to The Guardian, Okocha has been vocal about his disapproval of Chelle’s hiring, arguing that constant changes in coaching personnel and political interference in football administration are damaging Nigeria’s chances of winning trophies.
“The Super Eagles may not win any trophy until the current NFF officials are dissolved or reformed,” Okocha said per Guardian. “Appoint new officials who know more about football, who have interest in football, who love football, whose lifestyles represent football.”

He stressed that frequent coaching changes disrupt the team’s vision and hinder player development. “When you change a coach, you have changed a dream, a vision, and a mission. It’s harmful to the players; they will lose focus, except the players themselves demand a better coach,” he added.
Okocha’s remarks did not sit well with some NFF officials, including his former teammate Victor Ikpeba, a key figure in the Technical Committee that recommended Chelle’s appointment. Ikpeba criticised Okocha and fellow ex-international Kanu Nwankwo for questioning the committee’s decision.
Despite the backlash, Okocha remains defiant, stating that he has no regrets about his comments. “I have received messages asking me to apologise to the NFF, and my question is, ‘For what? For demanding a better committee?’ No, I won’t apologise,” he declared.
He further warned against politicising Nigerian football, saying, “Football is the only thing that keeps Nigeria united. If you politicise it, what will be our hope tomorrow? We must be free to express our minds.”
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I stand firmly behind Jay Jay Okocha, while should Nff demand for apology for being criticised for mishandling our affairs? Are they God. When the catastrophes of their action begin to manifest nobody should blame the boys.
It seems that some people are naturally cursed and so confused in this Nigeria, more especially those in charge of sports, particularly, football. One thing that makes Nigerians forget their foolishness.
Who is chelle or whatever his name is, someone that could not express himself boldly before the home base Eagles. Shame on whosoever or group of people that brought him here. Lucifa will visit each and everyone of them.
It seems that some people are naturally cursed and so confused in this Nigeria, more especially those in charge of sports, particularly, football. One thing that makes Nigerians forget their foolishness.
Who is chelle or whatever his name is, someone that could not express himself boldly before the home base Eagles. Shame on whosoever or group of people that brought him here. Lucifa will visit each and everyone of them, for trying to bring more disgrace to this country for sake of their selfish interests.