Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has asked for total support for newly appointed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to qualify Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup.
Ikpeba, who is a member of the NFF technical committee that recommended Chelle to be appointed the Super Eagles new boss, said he is not surprised by the reaction the appointment has caused.
“The appointment of a coach for the Super Eagles will always generate a lot of interest,” Ikpeba said in a Brila FM Radio interview anchored by former Super Eagles star Ifeanyi Udeze.
“This is one of the biggest countries in Africa and that’s the passion that comes around the national team.
“Even if we had appointed Pep Guardiola (Manchester City coach), there would be complaints.
“If there are no arguments , there won’t be success.”
Ikpeba has therefore solicited for support for Chelle so that Nigeria will feature at next year’s World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
“A decision has been made on a new coach by the NFF and we have to support it,” he said.
“Eric Chelle is a young coach who will succeed with our support.
“We’re in a tight corner in the World Cup qualifying campaign and we have to support him to get the best out of the players, who are the main actors in this situation.
“I am optimistic that with the support of Nigerians, we will still qualify for the World Cup.”
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