Super Eagles: Integrity Group Calls For Calm Following Chelle's Appointment

Super Eagles: Integrity Group Calls For Calm Following Chelle's Appointment

With the recent appointment of 47-year-old UEFA Pro Licensed Franco-Malian Èric Seykou Chelle as the coach of Nigeria's senior national football team, the Super Eagles, the Sport Integrity Foundation, also known as the Integrity Group, urges Nigerians to remain calm and focused, reports BSNSports.cim.ng.

Godwin Dele, the Integrity Group's Secretary in a media statement said, "Our investigation indicates that due process was followed in the selection of Chelle as the national team coach. The expertise and recommendations of the Technical Department were considered, along with input from the technical sub-committee, and the final decision was ratified by the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

 "We found that the NFF prioritized Tactical Sagacity and Economic Viability before deciding to hire Chelle. Given the public's desire for the NFF to appoint a permanent coach ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in March, the choice of Èric Chelle was made with the best interests of Nigerian football in mind.

"We urge Nigerians not to discriminate against the Franco-Malian coach, as this would go against the principles of sporting integrity and the global standards of sportsmanship.

 "Additionally, it's worth noting that Chelle is part of the Golden Age of African football. Former African internationals aged between 40 and 48 are currently leading football on the continent, winning AFCON titles and qualifying national teams for the World Cup. Notable figures such as Aliou Cisse, Emerse Fae, Otto Ado, Walid Regragui, and Rigobert Song all fall within this age group. We can recall how the late Stephen Keshi was allowed to coach the Hawks of Togo on three separate occasions, as well as the Eagles of Mali between 2008 and 2010. Likewise, Emmanuel Amuneke was given a chance with Tanzania.

"Therefore, we call on every football-loving Nigerian to rally behind Eric Chelle, providing him with support and cooperation as he navigates the World Cup qualifiers. Constructive criticism will be essential for his success in qualifying for the Mundial, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year. If Chelle succeeds, we all succeed."