Ex-Nigeria star calls for NFF to sack Chelle after 2026 World Cup miss

Former Nigeria national team defender Sam Elijah has urged Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to fire coach Eric Chelle after he failed to qualify the team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagle’s chance to stay on course to qualify went up in smoke after they lost their final qualification round 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

During the African Play-off final at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday, the Super Eagles took the lead courtesy of Onyeka, who powered home a long range effort.

However, Meschack Elia levelled matters before captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Leopards into March’s inter-confederation play-off in Mexico.

Chelle has not met the primary mandate

“I am a coach, for me yes he should be sacked because he did not give us the World Cup ticket,” said Elijah as quoted by allnigeriasoccer.com.

According to Elijah, the same way NFF dismissed Augustine Eguavoen for his failure to secure qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Chelle should also be shown the exit door.

“So, if coach Eguavoen, who is well qualified and has played for the national team, he had captained the national team, gone to the Nations Cup, and he could be told to step aside because he lost a match, that is when they ask Chelle to come around to takeover from him. Because they felt he could not qualify for the World Cup.” he added.

“They felt he lost some matches that are vital, so if they could ask coach Eguavoen to step aside then he should step aside too. Because what are we looking for? If we cannot go to the World Cup, then he has no business being the national team coach.”

Nigeria’s next competition will be at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. They have drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia. They will kick off their campaign against Taifa Stars on December 23.