The appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with many questioning the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision. The 47-year-old, who has a solid managerial résumé, is facing skepticism from a section of supporters who are uncertain whether he is the best fit for Nigeria’s star-studded national team. Chelle’s appointment has triggered debates across social media platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where fans have voiced their concerns and opinions.
While some acknowledge Chelle’s professional experience, others feel his skills may not match the demands of managing a team with such high-profile players. A fan raised doubts about Chelle’s capability for such a responsibility, remarking: “For the calibre of the present Super Eagles players, I don’t think this man is the right choice! Of all the options available out there, this is our best?” This comment captures the sentiment of those who question the NFF's judgment in choosing Chelle for the role.
Another fan brought up a notorious incident from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Chelle was famously doused with water after his team, Mali, was knocked out of the tournament by hosts Ivory Coast. This moment has become a source of ridicule for some, with one fan mocking the NFF's decision, saying: “No be this man them pour water for head during AFCON omo make una dey carry ice block waka cos he go need am aje.” The comment highlights the fan's disbelief and humor over Chelle's selection, drawing from this viral moment in AFCON history.
The timing of Chelle’s appointment has also attracted criticism. A frustrated user expressed their displeasure, likening it to the controversial timing of political announcements, saying: “Just like the presidential election results, you guys had to announce this f**lure at midnight.” This remark reflects the discontent with how the news was shared, suggesting that it lacked transparency or proper timing for such a significant announcement.
Some fans, however, adopted a more playful or sarcastic tone in response to the announcement. One tweet read: “What’s this u guys are doing na? No be this same guy wey Dem pour water for him head for the last AFCON? Thank God Ghana didn’t qualify, na to leave banter for South Africa.” This humorous take highlights the absurdity some fans feel about Chelle’s appointment, mixing it with a bit of banter about Ghana’s failure to qualify for the tournament.
Despite the backlash, there have been a few fans who have extended a warm welcome to Chelle. One user offered a simple yet positive message: “Welcome.” This gesture shows that not all reactions have been negative, and there is still some level of support for the new coach as he takes on the challenging role of leading the Super Eagles.
Eric Chelle’s appointment was officially recommended by the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee on January 2, 2025, and was subsequently approved by the Executive Committee five days later. While the decision remains controversial, the NFF has shown confidence in Chelle’s ability to lead Nigeria’s national football team moving forward, and only time will tell how the Super Eagles will fare under his management.
