Former Super Eagles star Ifeanyi Udeze has slammed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following its appointment of Malian tactician Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

The NFF has come under severe scrutiny after announcing the 47-year-old former head coach of Mali as the new gaffer of the three-time African champions.

Chelle was recommended by the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the vacant role during its meeting on January 2, 2025, in Abuja.

The recommendation was subsequently approved by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday, January 7.

Speaking on Brila FM’s No Holds Barred, Udeze criticized the NFF for its choice of gaffer for the Eagles, claiming that Augustine Eguavoen, who was the interim coach of the team, has a better CV.

“A coach Mali sacked for a poor run in the World Cup qualifiers, does he deserve this job?” Udeze said.

“The most annoying thing is that Augustine Eguavoen, who was our interim coach, has a better CV than this Eric Chelle. On what grounds was Chelle employed?

“He took the job to enhance his CV. He doesn’t care whether we qualify for the World Cup or not. That’s the only reason he accepted the job.”

Chelle will begin his tenure when the World Cup qualifiers resume in March this year.