Ex-Super Eagles Defender Calls for Chelle’s Sack After World Cup Failure

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Elijah has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to dismiss head coach Eric Chelle after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles were knocked out by DR Congo in a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in extra time, ending hopes of returning to the world stage.

The loss has intensified pressure on Chelle, who took over following Augustine Eguavoen’s exit. Speaking to allnigeriasoccer.com, Elijah said Chelle had failed to deliver on the most important objective. “Yes he should be sacked because he did not give us the World Cup ticket,” he said, insisting the NFF must act before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

He argued that Chelle should be judged just as strictly as Eguavoen, who was removed after missing out on the 2022 World Cup. Elijah noted that Eguavoen was a more experienced figure, having played, captained, and coached the national team, yet was still told to step aside. He recalled that Eguavoen lost “some matches that are vital,” and that the NFF replaced him with Chelle because they felt he “could not qualify for the World Cup.”

According to Elijah, the same standard must now apply. “If they could ask coach Eguavoen to step aside then he should step aside too,” he said. For him, the World Cup remains the ultimate benchmark. “If we cannot go to the World Cup, then he has no business being the national team coach.”

Nigeria will now turn their focus to AFCON, where they have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. After finishing as runners-up in the last tournament, the Super Eagles will hope for a stronger showing as they aim for a fourth continental crown.