By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

Since Eric Chelle was announced as the new Super Eagles coach, a storm of criticism has erupted. Journalists—whether in broadcast, print, or on social media—pundits, and even everyday Nigerians on the street have joined the bandwagon of ridicule. Social media has been flooded with memes mocking his appointment, but what’s most troubling is the backlash from seasoned journalists who should know better.

This is the same Eric Chelle who recently led a team to defeat the Super Eagles. The same man who has coached several of our national team players. He even took Mali, on the verge of missing the Nations Cup, to within touching distance of the semi-finals, only losing to the hosts, Ivory Coast, in extra time.

Critics keep harping on "pedigree," but let’s take a step back and ask: What was the pedigree of the coaches Nigeria employed before him? Otto Gloria, Manfred Hoener, Clemens Westerhof, Jo Bonfrere, Philippe Troussier, Gernot Rohr, and José Peseiro—none of these men were household names in their own countries. Westerhof, for instance, was unknown even in the Netherlands, yet he took Nigeria from mediocrity to global prominence. Many of these coaches left Nigeria with no lasting impact or fanfare beyond their tenure here.

Now, let’s talk about Chelle. He has a solid track record: as Mali’s coach, he played 22 matches, winning 14, drawing 5, and losing just 3. Overall in his short coaching career, he has managed 159 matches with 70 wins, 42 draws, and 47 losses. These are impressive stats, yet some Nigerians are unwilling to give him a chance. Is it because he’s African? Is it because he’s Malian?
If Eric Chelle were white, would Nigerians have reacted the same way?

The truth is, Mali’s exposure to French football has nurtured exceptional talents, and Chelle is no exception. The Yoruba adage “Inú ìkòkò dúdú ni ẹ̀kọ funfun ti n jáde” (it is from a black pot that white pap emerges) perfectly captures this situation. Mali, despite its modest football history, has produced one of the most promising coaches in Africa.

Nigerians clamoring for a Mourinho, Wenger, or Van Gaal need to wake up to reality. The NFF cannot afford these names for now. Instead, they’ve made a pragmatic and forward-thinking decision by appointing Chelle, who, with the right support, could excel.

We also need to shift the focus to our players. Why does Boniface score freely for his club but struggle to deliver for Nigeria? Why is Iwobi exceptional for Fulham yet underwhelming in the Super Eagles setup? Why are fitness levels and tactical discipline often lacking? These are critical questions. A coach can only do so much; the bulk of the responsibility rests on the players' shoulders.

It’s time to set aside our biases, embrace Chelle’s appointment, and focus on building a cohesive and formidable team. If late Stephen Keshi could take Togo to their first World Cup with minimal coaching experience, what stops Chelle from achieving success with the Super Eagles? Let’s give him a chance to prove himself.