Chelle’s qualifications higher than Westerhof’s - Odegbami compares new Super Eagles coach to 1994 World Cup hero

On Tuesday, the NFF surprised Nigerians by appointing Eric Chelle, a Malian tactician, as the Super Eagles' new head coach.

Chelle succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen after the Super Eagles earned a spot in the 2025 AFCON competition.

Following his appointment, Nigerians have reacted negatively to the news, as many expected a top-class head coach.

Odegbami has said that although Chelle had a small background when the Dutchman was hired in 1990, his qualifications were superior to those of Clemens Westerhof.

According to Vanguard, he said, “After all, in 1990, when a coach was to be hired for the Nigerian national team, the NFA brought in a man whose qualifications were among the least impressive in Nigeria’s football history.

“Yes, Clemens Westerhof may be the most successful coach to date in Nigeria’s football history, but his credentials at the time of his appointment were the least remarkable.

“Eric Chelle’s qualifications are statistically a notch higher than Westerhof’s in 1990. Is the NFF trying to emulate the Westerhof model? 

“Could that be the thinking behind this decision? Only time—and the next few months—will reveal the answer.”

Odegbami confessed that he thought the NFF would hire a top-tier European coach at first, but he also said Chelle could duplicate Westerhof's achievements.

Westerhof is now hailed as Nigeria's most successful coach after guiding Nigeria to second place at AFCON 1990, third place at AFCON 1992, a historic AFCON victory in 1994, and the nation's first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification that same year.