Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju has joined the growing list of Nigerians calling on the NFF to retain the services of Super Eagles head coach, Éric Sékou Chelle.
Speaking with Brila.net, Adepoju said the coach has performed admirably despite Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
According to the former midfielder, Chelle has shown clear signs of progress, particularly with the team’s performance at the last Africa Cup of Nations.
Adepoju, fondly known as “The Headmaster,” noted that the Super Eagles’ improved style of play and overall team development under Chelle are strong indicators that the coach deserves more time to build on his work.
“It’s going to be a good thing giving him another contract. Let’s just forget what happened in the qualifiers. He did his best; he tried, but unfortunately we couldn’t qualify for the World Cup.
“However, he has made up for it with the AFCON performance. From what I have seen, the team has changed the way they play and their overall approach.
“I think he deserves another contract,” Adepoju said.
The former midfielder, however, emphasized the need for both parties to engage in constructive dialogue regarding any new contractual demands.
He acknowledged that salary increments are common in professional football but stressed the importance of mutual understanding.
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“If there are any new demands what Eric Chelle is asking for and what the NFF can afford they need to sit at a round table, negotiate, and discuss it. I believe everyone would want an increment in salary, and if that is the case, there should be a way to reach a compromise. They can meet in the middle.”
Adepoju concluded by expressing optimism that a reasonable agreement can be reached if both sides prioritize the progress of Nigerian football.
The NFF is yet to make an official statement regarding the future of Chelle’s contract.
