Iconic Global Magazine Iconic Global Magazine is a global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle.
Related Articles
- The Federal Government of Nigeria have spoken on the fate of Eric Chelle as coach of the Super Eagles
- The current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, has shown strong support for the Super Eagles, awarding them national honours after their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON
- Nigeria are currently struggling to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their unimpressive qualifiers
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), on October 24, 2024.
President Tinubu mandated the football administrator to handle the sporting sector of the country, which has over 30 sports federations.
Before the appointment of Shehu Dikko, the Super Eagles had played four matches (three draws and one loss) in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
Source: Getty Images
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the leadership of Ibrahim Gusau appointed Eric Chelle as the coach of the Super Eagles with the mandate of securing the 2026 World Cup ticket.
The ceremony was attended by top football stakeholders, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and held at the Media Center of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Package A, in Abuja.
Chelle had an impressive start, beating Rwanda 2-0, courtesy of a brace for Victor Osimhen at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali before an unexpected 1-1 draw at the Godwill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo last March.
The former Mali gaffer secured his second win over Rwanda, with Tolu Arokodare coming to the rescue at the Godwill Akpabio Stadium on September 6.
Nigeria’s World Cup chances slipped away with their 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, per ESPN.
Dikko comments on Eric Chelle’s fate
Shehu Dikko has opened up on the fate of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle if the country fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Brila, the Kaduna-born football administrator, said only the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) can disengage the Franco-Malian.
The former Vice President of NFF explained that the NSC can only act upon the recommendation of the football governing body. Dikko said:
“It is primarily the responsibility of NFF to decide at the end of the day. After the conclude on their permutation, they will recommend to the National Sports Commission, and we will either approve or disapprove. it is not the role of the NSC to directly call for the sack of Eric Chelle.”
Source: Getty Images
There is still hope – Dikko
Shehu Dikko said the Super Eagles have been impressive under Eric Chelle.
He explained that Nigeria managed to gather three points before his arrival, with the former Mali coach picking up eight points since taking over the job. Dikko said:
“If we had this current form earlier, we would probably be preparing for the World Cup by now.”
NSC chairman shifts blame as World Cup hope fades
Legit.ng earlier reported that the National Sports Commission has shifted blame away from itself over Nigeria’s struggles during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
His claim that Nigeria would be in a better place if Peseiro and Finidi had eight points in four games is valid, as Nigeria would currently have 16 points, one behind South Africa.
Source: Legit.ng
