Super Eagles team at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos.
NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen defends Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles world cup qualifiers invitation list; npflupdates.com reports.
Super Eagles new coach Eric Sekou Chelle released a 23-man final list for the two world cup qualifiers fixtures earlier this week.
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The list sparked a lot of reactions, due to inclusion of some players. Some supporters alleged that the NFF technical team somehow influenced the coach’s decision.
Speaking on the role of the NFF technical department, Eguavoen stated the department can only interact with the coach, but lack the powers to influence his decision.
What Eguavoen said about Eric Chelle and Super Eagles list for world cup qualifiers
“I want Nigerians to get clarity on something,” Eguavoen said, as per the Punch.
“I’ve been technical director for a few years and I have attended FIFA workshops where I ask questions a lot, and they made it clear to me that a senior national team coach anywhere in the world has the final say on who he wants on his list.
“We can interact, we cannot interfere. If he says no, it’s no. That is why they can fire a senior national team coach at any time. So I will say Eric Chelle took his time to prepare this list and he has the final say.”
Speaking in defense of Papa Daniel’s invitation to the Super Eagles, Eguavoen reveal the player was invited based on recommendation and merit.
According to the former international, Coach Chelle witnessed the qualities of the player firsthand when he visited the Super Eagles B camp in Ikenne.
Fans are worried Papa hasn’t played competitive football in almost five weeks, after leaving Nigeria for trials in Europe.
“I went to Remo with Sekou Chelle to watch the CHAN team train, and it was my first time seeing Papa Daniel play. When I was the Super Eagles coach, I told the Bendel Insurance coach to watch teams in Benin and send me names, and he gave me two names. Papa Daniel was one of them,” Eguavoen said as reported by SportsRation.
Speaking further; “When I spoke to the coaches of Remo Stars and Rangers, who were my assistants, they mentioned Papa Daniel. I didn’t see him play then, but I trusted their recommendation. After that game, I decided to bring him in.”
Emmanuel Uchegbu joins FC Charlotte from AS Trencin
In another story, Super Eagles eligible Emmanuel Uchegbu joins Major League Soccer MLS, outfit, FC Charlotte.
The youngster joined the club from Slovakia club AS Trencin.
In his farewell message to the club, uchegbu appreciated the club’s hierarchy, the coaches, his teammates and the fans.
“I am very grateful to AS Trencin for the opportunity it gave me as a young player.
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“I must express my immense gratitude to the coaches, the management team, all the employees and, last but not least, the fans of AS Trencin.
“You have been my support throughout my entire career. I will miss you, my friends. AS Trencin, goodbye.”
