'I shook my head' - Fifa Council member Pinnick backs NFF's bold move to appoint Eric Chelle as coach

The decision to name Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles' head coach has drawn backlash towards the Nigeria Football Federation. 

From the announcement of renowned German football tactician Bruno Labbadia to Eric Chelle, many have described the decision as either a misstep or a letdown.

There is a general feeling that the Nigerian Federation's choice of Chelle as coach was not the right one.

Fifa Council member Amjau Pinnick says Chelle's experience with the Malian national team has prepared him for the challenge of handling the Super Eagles.

The former Nigeria Football Federation president noted that Super Eagles legends Stephen Keshi and Emmanuel Amuneke had managed other African teams in the past, prompting the Federation to explore options beyond the country. 

Pinnick revealed that Chairman of National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko endorsed the decision to appoint the former Lens central defender.

He defended the NFF's bold choice to name the Malian as Super Eagles coach, pointing out that some criticism from fans stems from biases about Chelle's skin color. 

Speaking to Arise News from Lagos, Pinnick explained: "I got a lot of calls when he was announced. I shook my head because before now, I had already done my intelligence about Eric and I came to realize that some people do not know him. 

"They are just basing their argument on the colour of his skin. They are just being judgmental about the colour of his skin because he's a black man not the content of his targets and his deliverables."

Dismissed by the Malian Football Federation (Fémafoot) last June, Chelle's record at the head of the Eagles is fourteen wins, five draws and three defeats.

"He's got a wonderful record. When he was in Mali, if you you at Mali the last two years they have been very consistent, consistent in the quality of their play. 

"Based on what you have seen, statistics from Mali, out of 22 games, he won 14, he drew four (five) and lost just three, which shows that he is an offensive coach and Nigeria, traditionally, we are an offensive team. 

"That has technically, automatically, and organically prepared him for the challenges to come.

"He's not just a coach, he's coming with a retinue of backroom staff - a set-piece specialist, match reader, goalkeeper coach. 

"He's also going to be supported by a retinue of backroom staff provided by the NFF Technical Department, so it's not just him. "

Eric Chelle is currently under contract at Mouloudia Club of Oran and his future at the Algerian club will be decided after Saturday's Cup clash against Union sportive de Sétif.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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