Football analyst Godwin Dudu-Orumen has said that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has made a mistake by hiring former Mali coach, Eric Chelles.

The announcement of Chelles’ new assignment, made on Tuesday by the NFF, marks the beginning of what is hoped to be a transformative chapter for Nigeria’s national football team ahead of the challenging World Cup qualifiers.

His tactical acumen and international exposure are expected to bolster the Super Eagles as they prepare for a crucial phase in their campaign.

The immediate task ahead for Chelles will be Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with key matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe slated for March.

However, his appointment has been met with mixed reactions from fans and football analysts. While some see his arrival as an opportunity for fresh ideas, others have criticised the timing and selection process.

On his part, Dudu-Orumen said that the NFF has not made the right decisions, as there are many coaches available in the nation, and it is absurd that the football ruling body has abandoned local coaches.

He said, “How will the NFF leave our former players and go and bring a former Mali coach? I have said that the Amaju Pinnick style of interference in the NFF is still ongoing because he’s looking out for those who would be supporting his kind of leadership in the NFF. This is how he brought Ibrahim Gusau in as the NFF chairman so that things can go along his plans.”

Dudu-Orumen said that the Super Eagles deserve a world-class coach, and if the NFF were to go for a coach, then ex-Eagles players who have been trained by FIFA should be tasked with the job.

He said, “Nigeria is a big footballing nation, and we have ex-players and coaches who can handle the national team.

“If we want an African coach, we have them in the former Eagles players who have gone for coaching courses.”

Mutiu Adepoju, former Super Eagles midfielder, stated that what is most important is that any coach the NFF picks should just do the job. He added that Chelles should make sure that the Super Eagles do their best and qualify for the World Cup.

He said, “The NFF has chosen him (Eric) to manage the Eagles; he just has to do the job and qualify the team for the World Cup.”