‘Sack Chelle, he is not our level’ — Popular journalist outlines plans for Super Eagles, NFF

Popular Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba has sparked major debate after calling for sweeping changes across Nigerian football, including the dismissal of head coach Eric Chelle.

His comments come in the aftermath of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a disappointment that has renewed scrutiny on the national team’s direction.

In a strongly worded message, Akatugba insisted that the Super Eagles’ problems go far beyond Chelle alone.

When asked what he would change as Nigerian Football Federation boss, he argued that the entire football hierarchy needs restructuring, saying, “Arrest Amaju [Pinnick] and [Ibrahim] Gusau. Sack Chelle not because he is not good but because he is not our level.

“You can’t have Osimhen, top scorer in the Champions League, and have a low-level coach manage him. For branding purposes also.”

He went further to outline his personal vision for rebuilding Nigerian football from the ground up. According to him, “I will raise funding from the private sector to pay our coaches, I will restructure the entire football ecosystem by starting from the base again.

“Make sure coaches of the national teams stay longer and have a proper blueprint. We must create a football DNA. I will turn Nigerian football into a major brand.”

His comments reflect growing frustration among fans and analysts who believe the national team lacks long-term structure, continuity, and elite-level coaching to match its world-class player pool.

Eric Chelle’s tenure has been a blend of progress and heartbreak. Despite Nigeria’s rough start to the World Cup qualifiers, failing to win any of their opening four matches, under previous coaches, the Malian coach eventually steadied the team.

Under his leadership, the Super Eagles went on a seven-game unbeaten run, with five wins and two draws, sealing a place in the final playoff round.

But the campaign ultimately ended in disappointment as Nigeria fell 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo after a 1–1 draw in extra time, marking a second consecutive World Cup miss.

The failure has intensified scrutiny, especially with Chelle. Even with achievements such as winning the Unity Cup and remaining unbeaten in regulation time, Chelle’s future remains uncertain.

With the 2025 AFCON approaching, where Nigeria will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C, the pressure to deliver immediate success is at its peak.