Okocha predicts doom for Super Eagles under new coach Chelle

In a scathing critique, legendary midfield maestro Austin Okocha has lambasted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stating that the Super Eagles will not win any trophy under the current leadership and new coach Eric Chelle.

Okocha, former Bolton Wanderers’ of England Captain, comments come on the heels of the NFF’s decision to appoint Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, a move that Okocha vehemently opposes.

According to Okocha, the NFF’s incompetence and politicization of football are the main reasons for the Super Eagles’ lack of success.

“The Super Eagles may not win any trophy until the current NFF officials are dissolved or reformed,” Okocha said in an interview.

“Appoint new officials who know more about football, who have interest in football, who love football, whose lifestyles represent football.”

Okocha, who captained the Super Eagles during his memorable playing days, expressed his frustration with the NFF’s tendency to appoint politicians to manage football.

“You can’t appoint politicians to manage football. They will turn it to politics, and that’s what is happening today. We have the best players in the world, yet we have no trophy to lay our hands, not because of the players, absolutely not,” he stated.

Also, Okocha believes that Chelle’s appointment will derail the team’s quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“When you change a coach, you have changed a dream, a vision, and a mission, in short, you have changed a generation,” Okocha said. “Changing of a coach isn’t just as it sounds to the ear. It’s harmful to the players, they will lose focus, except the players on their own demand for a better coach.”

Okocha’s comments have sparked a heated debate in Nigerian football circles, with some pundits agreeing with his assessment of the NFF’s leadership.

However, others have criticized Okocha for his outspoken comments, accusing him of being overly critical and negative.

In response to the backlash, Okocha has refused to apologize for his comments, stating that he is exercising his right to free speech as a stakeholder in Nigerian football.

“If their decision is taking me to court, so be it. We can’t continue to keep quiet while things continue to spoil. I have received series of messages to apologize to NFF, and my question is, ‘for what? For demanding a better committee?’ No, I can’t apologize while I just made my own personal opinion,” Okocha said.

The controversy surrounding Okocha’s comments has highlighted the deep-seated problems within Nigerian football. As the Super Eagles prepare to face new challenges on the pitch, it remains to be seen whether the NFF will take Okocha’s criticisms to heart and implement meaningful reforms to improve the state of Nigerian football.

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