Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were dashed after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, with the match ending 1-1 after extra time.
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
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After the poor start by Finidi and Peserio , Chelle fought a good fight . But you have these useless commentators that come up with these stupid statements . And replace with who . . Doesn’t he not realise that there are few weeks to the AFCON . What new system are they expected to play the. U der who . My friend go and sit down
This is absolute nonsense and embarrassing from someone who call himself a coach calling for the sack of a coach who took over the team when the team was already in danger of losing out from world cup qualification with 3 points from four matches. Most importantly without considering nor having the interest or the success of the nation and the team in mind with the AFCON kicking off in less than 30 days.
What will happen to the team's preparation? You should be appointed as a coach so you should go there to embarrass us abi. This is one of the enemies of progress in this country.