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Football Analysts Advice NFF
A growing chorus of football analysts, former internationals, and sports presenters across Nigeria has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to step back from the selection of players for the Super Eagles, warning that continued interference from the federation’s hierarchy is damaging team cohesion, undermining the authority of the technical crew, and hurting results on the pitch. The call comes amid renewed controversy surrounding the NFF board and allegations that certain players are being imposed on the national team coach, Eric Chelle, regardless of form, fitness, or tactical suitability.
For months, discussions on television studios, radio phone in programmes, podcasts, and newspaper columns have revolved around the same concern: that the Super Eagles are not being selected purely on merit. Analysts argue that while Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of talent across Europe, Asia, and the domestic league, the same names continue to appear on team lists even when their performances at club level have dipped or when younger, more in form players are overlooked.
Former Green Eagles captain Segun Odegbami has been one of the most vocal critics of administrative interference in Nigerian football. Speaking during a recent sports programme, Odegbami warned that no national team can thrive when selection is influenced by non technical considerations. He stressed that once a coach is appointed, the NFF must trust that coach to do the job without pressure or hidden instructions. According to him, the constant recycling of players who should have been phased out sends the wrong message to emerging talents and creates complacency within the squad.
Similar views have been echoed by former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal, who has repeatedly questioned why some players remain automatic picks despite long periods of poor form or lack of regular football at club level. Lawal noted that competition is the soul of football and that when players know their places are guaranteed, hunger and intensity naturally drop. He added that the perception of imposed players also affects dressing room harmony, as teammates become aware that selection is not always based on performance.
On television analysis shows, respected football journalist and analyst Colin Udoh has also addressed the issue, pointing out that the problem of interference is not new in Nigerian football. Udoh recalled past national teams where similar controversies led to confusion and underachievement. He argued that modern football demands clear structures, where administrators handle governance and logistics while coaches handle football matters. According to him, blurring these lines only weakens accountability, because when results go bad, it becomes unclear who should take responsibility.
Former Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju has added his voice to the debate, stressing the importance of transition in national teams. Adepoju observed that every successful football nation plans generational change deliberately, gradually introducing younger players while respectfully moving on from older ones. He expressed concern that Nigeria appears stuck with a core group of players who have been around for many years, even when their impact has reduced. In his view, forcing a coach to keep such players delays rebuilding and exposes the team to stagnation.
Sports presenter and commentator Kelechi Anyikude has been particularly blunt in his criticism. On his popular football platform, Anyikude questioned why the same selection controversies surface with almost every Super Eagles coach. He suggested that the recurring nature of the problem points more to institutional failure than to individual coaches. According to him, if different coaches with different philosophies keep facing similar accusations of imposed players, then the federation must look inward.
Another journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, has written extensively on governance issues within Nigerian football. While acknowledging that concrete evidence of imposed players is often difficult to produce, Obayiuwana noted that perception matters in football administration. He argued that the NFF’s history of opaque decision making has created an environment where fans and analysts are quick to suspect interference. He advised the federation to rebuild trust by being transparent about technical decisions and by publicly reaffirming the independence of the coaching crew.
Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha has also weighed in, emphasizing respect for the coach’s authority. Okocha stated that when players sense that a coach does not have full control, discipline inevitably suffers. He warned that even star players perform better when they know selection must be earned. For him, the solution is simple: the NFF should hire competent coaches and then allow them to work without distractions.
At the center of the current controversy is head coach Eric Chelle, who many analysts believe is facing pressure similar to that experienced by his predecessors. Observers point to recent squad lists where certain players were included despite limited playing time at club level, while others who have impressed both locally and abroad were omitted. While Chelle has publicly maintained a professional stance, avoiding open confrontation with the federation, analysts argue that the pattern raises legitimate questions.
The debate has also extended to former coach Sunday Oliseh, who, in past interviews, has spoken about the challenges of interference during his time in charge of the national team. Oliseh has previously revealed how disagreements over player selection and control contributed to an unhealthy working environment. Analysts have referenced his experience as a cautionary tale, warning that failure to learn from history could lead to another premature breakdown between coach and federation.
In response to the growing criticism, the Nigeria Football Federation has denied allegations that it imposes players on the national team. In official statements and media engagements, NFF representatives have insisted that the technical crew has full autonomy over player selection. The federation has emphasized that its role is limited to providing support, logistics, and strategic oversight, not picking players.
The NFF has also argued that some of the criticism is driven by public sentiment rather than facts. According to federation officials, experienced players are often retained because of their leadership qualities and familiarity with the pressures of international football. They maintain that continuity is important, especially in high stakes qualifiers and tournaments, and that decisions are made in consultation with the coaching crew.
Despite these assurances, analysts remain unconvinced. Many argue that the federation’s statements would carry more weight if backed by consistent actions. They point out that rebuilding trust requires more than press releases. It requires visible commitment to merit based selection, clear communication from the coach about his choices, and a willingness to accept short term criticism in pursuit of long term progress.
Fans have also joined the conversation, flooding social media with debates about fairness, favoritism, and the future of the Super Eagles. While opinions differ on individual players, there is broad agreement that Nigeria’s vast talent pool should be better utilized. Supporters argue that no player should be untouchable and that the national team shirt must always be earned.
As Nigeria looks ahead to crucial international fixtures, the pressure on both the NFF and the technical crew continues to mount. For many analysts, the issue goes beyond one coach or one set of players. It is about establishing a professional culture where roles are respected and decisions are guided by football logic rather than politics or sentiment.
The consensus among critics is clear. If the Super Eagles are to reach their full potential, the NFF must draw a firm line between administration and technical matters. Allowing Eric Chelle and his staff to select players based solely on form, fitness, and tactical need may not silence all criticism, but it would be a significant step toward restoring confidence in the national team setup. In a country where football is more than a game, such clarity and discipline could make the difference between recurring disappointment and sustained success.
By Benprince Ezeh
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