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“Eguavoen has a better CV” — Udeze criticizes Chelle’s Super Eagles appointment

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“Eguavoen has a better CV” — Udeze criticizes Chelle’s Super Eagles appointment

By Monsurah Olatunji

Ex-international Ifeanyi Udeze has strongly criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for appointing Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

The former Mali international was unveiled on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, FCT, taking over from Finidi George, who vacated the position in June 2024.

Since September 2024, NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has served as the interim coach, successfully guiding the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Despite Eguavoen’s achievements, Udeze believes the Nigerian coach is more qualified for the role than Chelle, whose appointment he questions.

The 47-year-old Chelle brings coaching experience with clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He also managed the Mali national team during the recent AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where they reached the quarterfinals.

However, Udeze has doubts about Chelle’s suitability for the Super Eagles, particularly in light of his dismissal from the Mali national team following a poor run in World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze said, “A coach Mali sacked for a poor run in the World Cup qualifiers, does he deserve this job?”

He added, “The most annoying thing is that Augustine Eguavoen, who was our interim coach, has a better CV than Eric Chelle. On what grounds was Chelle employed? He took the job to enhance his CV. He doesn’t care whether we qualify for the World Cup or not. That’s the only reason he accepted the job.”

Udeze’s remarks have sparked further debate over Chelle’s appointment and the future of the Super Eagles under his leadership.

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