A senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official has revealed that few coaches were willing to take over the Super Eagles after Finidi George left the position, and he singled out Eric Chelle’s dedication to the job as exceptional.
According to the report from OwnGoalNigeria, the NFF’s Deputy General Secretary said that following Finidi’s exit, several potential candidates either declined the opportunity or expressed reservations about taking charge of the national team. This left the federation in a difficult position until Chelle agreed to step in.
The official highlighted Chelle’s commitment to Nigerian football and willingness to take on the challenges that come with leading the Super Eagles. He praised Chelle for embracing the role at a time when others were hesitant, even as the team prepared for high-stakes matches, including World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations fixtures.
The NFF official said Chelle’s attitude and work ethic helped stabilise the national team setup during a period that could otherwise have seen a longer coaching vacancy. By taking the job, Chelle gave the federation confidence that training, tactical preparation and squad planning would be handled professionally and without disruption.
While the report did not name specific coaches who turned down the role, the comments showed some of the challenges the federation faced in securing a high-profile successor to Finidi. Those challenges included the pressure of expectations from fans, the timing of international fixtures, and the demanding environment of African football.
The praise from the NFF leadership adds to his growing reputation in Nigerian football, as Eric Chelle continues to steer the Super Eagles through competitive fixtures and rebuild the squad after a transitional period.
