Nigeria -Choice of New Coach Causes Division In NFF Ahead Of Cup Of Nations Qualifiers

By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers fast approaching, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is embroiled in an intense internal struggle over the selection of a new head coach for the Super Eagles.

This development comes in the wake of Finidi George’s resignation on June 15, leaving the team without a leader just weeks before their crucial matches against Benin and Rwanda.

The NFF is caught between two potential candidates: Eric Chelle of France and Tom Saintfiet of Belgium. The debate has divided the federation, with the majority leaning towards Chelle, who boasts a remarkable record as the former head coach of Mali. Chelle’s tenure with the Malian national team saw him achieve a 79 percent winning ratio, a statistic that many within the NFF find hard to ignore.

“Chelle’s knowledge of African football and his impressive track record make him an ideal candidate to elevate the Super Eagles,” a source within the NFF revealed. “His performance with Mali, winning 14 out of 22 games and maintaining a strong defensive record, speaks volumes about his capability.”

Despite the strong support for Chelle, a significant faction within the NFF, supported by an influential former NFF President, is advocating for Tom Saintfiet. Saintfiet, known for leading The Gambia to their first African Cup of Nations quarterfinals, is seen by his proponents as a strategic choice, despite his lower goal percentage compared to Chelle.

“Saintfiet’s achievement with The Gambia is notable, but his lower goal-scoring record could be a concern for the Super Eagles, who have struggled with a 21 percent scoring ratio over the past year,” another insider noted. “We need a coach who can address our scoring challenges and bring a winning mentality.”

Nigeria is drawn in Group D alongside Benin, Libya, and Rwanda for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification tournament. With the qualifiers set to begin in September, time is of the essence. The Super Eagles will face Benin at home between September 2 and 6, followed by an away match against Rwanda from September 6 to 9.

The NFF’s delay in making a final decision has added pressure on the organization to resolve the internal conflict swiftly. The choice of coach will not only impact the team’s immediate performance but also set the tone for their long-term prospects in international competitions.