Okocha vs NFF: Super Eagles legend hits back over Chelle’s appointment

Andre Olasukanmi
2 Min Read

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.”

Okocha vs NFF: Super Eagles legend hits back over Chelle’s appointment
Chelle

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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