Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have protested the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
On Thursday, NANS organized a protest at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta to express their dissatisfaction, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to immediately reverse the decision.
The protest, led by Senate Clerk Abdul Yekinn Odunayo, condemned the appointment, stating that it did not meet the expectations of Nigerians and football fans.
The students also threatened to launch a nationwide protest to press their demand and called for the selection of a more qualified coach who can effectively utilize the country’s abundant football talent.
“We are gathered here today to address an issue that has not only baffled us but has also drawn widespread disapproval from Nigerian students and sports enthusiasts alike,” Odunayo said.
“On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students, I, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the Senate of NANS National Headquarters, wish to categorically express our displeasure over the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
“This appointment, as announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is not only unacceptable but also a slap in the face of our nation’s abundant pool of local coaching talent. Consequently, NANS, as the voice of the Nigerian students, is compelled to organise a national protest to demand a reversal of this decision.”
On Tuesday, the NFF officially announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The appointment is effective immediately, with Chelle tasked with leading the team to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. The next set of qualifying matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) is scheduled for March.
Chelle, who earned five caps for Mali’s national team and has coached clubs including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, has been serving as the Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.
Previously, Chelle was appointed as manager of Mali, but he was dismissed on June 13, 2024.