Super Eagles Legend Opposes Indigenous Coach Appointment
Former Nigerian international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has made a strong statement regarding the ongoing debate about who should lead the Super Eagles following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The ex-Everton striker believes that appointing indigenous coaches like Augustine Eguavoen or Samson Siasia would be a step backward for the national team.
Timing and Stability Key Concerns
Aiyegbeni emphasized that sacking current coach Eric Chelle before the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could seriously disrupt the team's structure and preparation. The Franco-Malian tactician was appointed in January 2024 after Finidi George's brief tenure ended with poor results and resignation after just eight weeks.
The coaching situation became particularly unstable when Augustine Eguavoen stepped in temporarily as technical director before Chelle's permanent appointment. Despite the World Cup qualification disappointment, Aiyegbeni insists that changing coaches now would be counterproductive with AFCON approaching.
Moving Forward, Not Backward
During his podcast appearance, the former Blackburn Rovers striker was unequivocal about his position. "Why do we always find it difficult to get a decisive coach when it matters?" Aiyegbeni questioned. "We say we need a foreign coach, and I agree, we still need a foreign coach."
He specifically addressed the calls for returning to familiar faces: "I don't think Sia Sia or Eguavoen are needed anymore. We've gone past that era. I think we should try to sit together and look for whom to bring. It's time to move forward, not backwards."
The Nigeria Football Federation appears to share similar concerns about timing, with sources indicating that Chelle has already compiled his AFCON squad list and received a mandate to reach the tournament final. The NFF is reportedly impressed with the transformation and aggressiveness the coach has brought to the team since taking over.
In preparation for the continental championship scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, Chelle has already begun making tough decisions, including dropping three players from his plans following the disappointing World Cup play-off defeat to DR Congo.
