AFCON 2025
Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has publicly insisted that he maintains a positive working relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Speaking with Nigerian football legend Dr. Segun Odegbami on Eagle7 103.7 FM, Chelle attempted to downplay any rift with the governing body. “Everything is fine with the NFF,” he stated.
However, the coach provided a clear example of in-game pressure from an official. “Yes, sometimes they say we need to win, for example, at half-time against Benin Republic, someone came to say we need to score four goals, and I said, please, be calm.”
Chelle affirmed that mutual respect is the foundation of the relationship, despite the challenges. “The relationship is about the work. They respect me, and I respect them in return. They try to put me in the best condition, sometimes it’s good and not good, but this is football.”
Ultimately, the coach emphasized discretion, concluding, “The most important thing is respect. I try to do my best every day; they also try to do their best every day. They are my bosses, and everything between us remains between us.”
