A former member of the technical committee of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austel Elumelu has surprisingly extended his full weight in support of Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle, Sports247 reports.
This comes from a move that runs in contrast with Elumelu’s previous strong stand against the employment of expatriate coaches for the Nigerian national team, as the outspoken football buff has lent a full dose of support to the Franco-Malian tactician.
Elumelu expatiated, “I’m impressed with the coach. I’m one of those who had always believed in indigenous coaches, but, with what I have seen (from Chelle so far), I think we are going somewhere.”
He then took a swipe at critics who have tried to rubbish Chelle’s ongoing scorecard since taking over the Eagles’ saddle, with a declaration that the former Mali gaffer has brought a new mentality into the team, with which he has won three games and drawn two.
The technocrat added, “Although some people are saying the opposition has not been strong, as far as I am concerned, there has been a kind of rhythm and some little consistency in the way and manner the players that were called to work for the nation responded.”
Elumelu concluded by giving kudos to Chelle for winning the 2025 Unity Cup with less fancied players, among whom were ten home-based lads, and the technical buff insisted that the feat further confirmed that the gaffer has something to offer Nigeria as the months go by.
“With a lot of unknown names, he was able to do some exploits. So, whether we like it or not, he won the competition and I believe we should maintain him. We shouldn’t do anything to change our coach. Let him stay put,” Elumelu solicited.
