Former Tremendous Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia has urged the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) to withstand the rising requires the sack of head coach Eric Chelle, insisting that regardless of the failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stability — not panic — is what Nigeria wants forward of the fast-approaching Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Etafia, identified for his calm evaluation and deep understanding of Nigerian soccer, admitted overtly that the Franco-Malian coach made errors and displayed tactical weaknesses through the World Cup qualification marketing campaign.
However he additionally argued that Chelle has introduced seen enchancment and much-needed construction to the crew — progress he believes might be destroyed by firing him now.
“I nonetheless have doubts about a few of his ways, however the fact is that the crew has improved below Chelle,” Etafia stated. “This isn’t the second to take away him. Let him take this crew to AFCON.”
The previous Plateau United shot-stopper emphasised the significance of continuity, warning {that a} last-minute teaching change may derail Nigeria’s preparations and plunge the crew into additional chaos. He reminded Nigerians that AFCON is just weeks away, leaving little time for a brand new supervisor to impose his philosophy or perceive the gamers.
Etafia burdened that whereas World Cup failure is painful, it mustn’t set off emotional decision-making. As an alternative, he stated Nigeria should give attention to consolidating no matter progress has been made, whereas permitting Chelle the possibility to complete what he began.
“Altering coaches each time we fail is a part of why we’re right here. We want persistence. Let Chelle take duty at AFCON — then decide him totally afterwards,” he defined.
He additionally urged the gamers to take accountability, noting {that a} coach is just pretty much as good because the response he will get from his squad. In keeping with Etafia, the Tremendous Eagles should present starvation, unity, and professionalism in the event that they hope to compete in Morocco.
His message to the NFF was agency:
Don’t panic. Don’t rebuild in a rush. Stick to Chelle until AFCON — then make the large choice.
