The legendary Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has urged Nigerians to rally behind newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle's appointment has been met with severe scrutiny from the Nigerian football community as many believe the Malian tactician doesn't have the required pedigree to lead the three-time African champions.

Amid the backlash, Okocha believe that it is paramount for Nigerians to throw their weight behind the former Mali coach.

The former Bolton Wanderers captain also emphasized the importance of the team qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“The decision to appoint the new coach was that of the NFF,” Okocha told Lagos Talks FM.

“We should give him a chance to do his job.
We should support him as well as the NFF and hopefully we will be at the World Cup.

“We all want the team to qualify for the World Cup because we all benefit when they are doing well.”