CHAN 2024: Fans slam Chelle over Super Eagles’ struggles

Some football fans on Wednesday expressed disappointment with Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, over his results so far at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The team, made up of domestic league players, is struggling in the tournament, having lost 1-0 to Senegal and 4-0 to Sudan.

Fans told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that this same pool of players had performed well under Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede before Chelle took charge.

Francis Adebayo, a sports writer, told NAN that the Nigeria Football Federation should take responsibility for the current situation.

According to him, Chelle’s curriculum vitae is not strong enough to coach the Super Eagles, but those who hired him insist he is the best choice.

“Can we remember the last time the Super Eagles lost so heavily? The team was lucky to avoid disgrace against Senegal in their opening match.

“Can we recall when Sudan beat the Super Eagles 4-0? Defeat is normal, but 4-0 is disturbing and unacceptable,” Adebayo said.

Another fan, Daniel Onyenachie, said he was shocked by the results and expects Chelle to receive a sack letter after the final game.

“I have never recognised Chelle as a coach for a football-loving country like Nigeria. I watched the match yesterday — it was players without a teacher.

“No defence, an uncoordinated midfield and a blunt attack. I am only hoping for a miracle in the remaining World Cup qualifiers.

“Our hopes are like a man marooned in a desert under extreme heat with no water in sight,” Onyenachie said.

Another seasoned sports writer, Desmond Ekwueme, also expressed disappointment, citing the coach’s inability to handle the team effectively.

He said the team lacked creativity, defensive alertness, and were dominated by a side not considered among Africa’s greatest football teams.

“We do not deserve this situation, but here we are. Hopefully, those at the Glass House regret dropping home-based coaches in the first place,” Ekwueme said. (NAN)