Pinnick backs NFF over Chelle’s choice, knocks critics of Malian coach
By Olaolu Joseph
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has thrown his weight behind the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the Super Eagles’ head coach.
Pinnick, while defending the choice of Chelle amidst mixed reactions from Nigerians, criticized critics of the former Malian national team handler.
In his words, Pinnick argued that those opposing Chelle’s appointment were focusing on his race rather than his track record.
“I got calls from a lot of people immediately he was announced. I just shook my head because, before now, I had already done my research on Eric, and I realized a lot of people don’t know him.
“They are basing their arguments on the color of his skin. They are being judgmental because he is a black man—not because of his content, his deliverables, or what he wants to achieve,” Pinnick said.
While defending Chelle, the former NFF boss stated: “He’s got an impressive record. When he was with Mali, if you look at their performance over the last two years, you will see they have been consistent in the quality of their play.
“Out of 22 games, he won 14, drew four, and lost just three, which shows that he is an offensive-minded coach. Nigeria, traditionally, is an offensive team.
“That has technically, automatically, and organically prepared him for the challenges ahead,” Pinnick added.
Furthermore, the former Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission noted: “He is not just a coach; he is coming with a retinue of backroom staff—a set-piece specialist, a match analyst, and, I was told, a goalkeepers’ coach.
“He will also be supported by backroom staff provided by the NFF. He is the leader who will streamline and harmonize their efforts to ensure we qualify for the World Cup,” he stated.
Pinnick, however, admitted that the task ahead would not be easy, saying: “It’s going to be a tough challenge. I won’t tell you it will be easy; it will be very, very tough.
“But I believe he is well-prepared for it. He’s got the record, and I believe we should trust him. We should focus on his content, not his color, and evaluate what he brings to the table.”
Pinnick referenced Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé and others from Côte d’Ivoire to support his arguments. He also mentioned Nigerian coaches like Emmanuel Amuneke (Tanzania) and the late Stephen Keshi (Togo), who had successfully managed other African national teams.
While acknowledging the competence of Nigerian coaches, Pinnick said: “There are many things left unsaid. The NFF made this decision to ensure sanity, stability, and to avoid mistakes. These are my people; I interact with them every day, and I know they are well-prepared.”
He explained that the NFF must have sought the approval of the National Sports Commission (NSC) before making the decision and called on Nigerians to prayerfully support the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led administration in ensuring Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup.
