It is surprising—almost shocking—that so many Nigerians are currently directing their frustration toward Éric Chelle. Of all the coaches involved in the Super Eagles’ chaotic World Cup qualifying journey, Chelle is the last person who deserves blame. If anything, he deserves loud applause, national appreciation, and his well-earned flowers for rescuing a broken qualifying campaign that was already drifting toward disaster long before he arrived.
Let’s be honest with ourselves: Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers were disjointed from day one, largely because the Super Eagles changed coaches three different times across a two-year stretch. No team, not even the most talented, can survive that level of instability without consequences. Consistency is the soul of football development, and Nigeria simply didn’t have it.
Here are the facts—cold, clear, and unarguable:
1. José Peseiro managed the first phase of qualifiers and collected 2 points out of a possible 6. These were points Nigeria absolutely needed.
2. Finidi George, who replaced him, took charge of the next two qualifiers and earned just 1 point out of 6—the single most damaging period of the entire campaign.
3. Éric Chelle, stepping in at the most difficult moment, gathered 14 points out of 18, going undefeated across six matches and dragging Nigeria into the CAF World Cup playoffs.
If we are looking for accountability, the numbers speak louder than any emotional reaction. The early damage was done before Chelle even stepped into the office. The curve had already dipped. The confidence had already been shattered. The qualifiers were already slipping away.
Yet, against that backdrop, Chelle revived the team’s hopes.
When Chelle took over in January, expectations were low and morale was even lower. Nigeria looked like a team heading nowhere fast. But under his watch, structure returned. Confidence returned. Belief returned. For the first time in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles looked like a team with identity and purpose. He b€at Gabon 🇬🇦, restored discipline and tactical clarity, and only narrowly lost to DR Congo 🇨🇩 on penalties—an outcome that could have swung either way. Chelle didn’t just coach the team; he rebuilt it.
Let’s think deeply for a moment: If Éric Chelle had been in charge from the start, would Nigeria have needed playoffs?
Honestly, probably not. His points tally alone suggests Nigeria might have qualified automatically with ease. He produced the best football, the best consistency, and the best results of all three managers—despite inheriting the worst situation.
So why blame the man who saved the campaign?
Nigerians must channel their frustration correctly. The problem wasn’t Chelle. The problem was the lack of long-term planning, the lack of managerial stability, and the poor results from the first two phases under Peseiro and Finidi. Chelle walked into a storm and still managed to steady the ship.
Instead of criticism, Éric Chelle deserves respect. He deserves praise. He deserves his flowers 💐.
Be the first to comment