He didn't give us World Cup ticket' - Former Super Eagles star urges NFF to sack Eric Chelle

The result has fueled criticism of the Malian tactician, who was appointed to lead the team after the departure of Augustine Eguavoen. In an exclusive interview with this website, Elijah insisted that Chelle has not met his primary mandate and should be relieved of his duties ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. "I am a coach, for me yes he should be sacked because he did not give us the World Cup ticket," Elijah said to allnigeriasoccer.com. He argued that Chelle should be held to the same standard as Eguavoen, who was asked to step aside after failing to secure qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. "So, if coach Eguavoen, who is well qualified and has played for the national team, he had captained the national team, gone to the Nations Cup, and he could be told to step aside because he lost a match, that is when they ask Chelle to come around to takeover from him. Because they felt he could not qualify for the World Cup," he added. "They felt he lost some matches that are vital, so if they could ask coach Eguavoen to step aside then he should step aside too." Elijah stressed that the World Cup remains Nigeria’s top football priority and that failing to reach the global stage should automatically disqualify a coach from continuing in the role. "Because what are we looking for? If we cannot go to the World Cup, then he has no business being the national team coach.” Nigeria will compete in Group C at the upcoming AFCON, where they will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. After finishing as runners-up in the last edition, the Super Eagles will be seeking a stronger performance as they chase a fourth continental title. Adeyemi Adewale Copyright ANS All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com