A member of the FIFA council, Amaju Pinnick, has publicly expressed his support for the recent appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles.

Since the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the appointment of Eric Chelle on Tuesday, the decision has faced substantial criticism from various quarters.

Pinnick addressed these concerns, highlighting his confidence in Chelle’s capabilities to lead the Super Eagles effectively.

The former NFF president said, “I received numerous calls expressing skepticism about his appointment. I found myself shaking my head because, before this announcement, I had conducted thorough research and due diligence regarding Eric. It became evident to me that many critics were unfamiliar with his background and credentials.”

He further emphasized the unfortunate reality that some of the opposition to Chelle’s hiring stems from racial biases, asserting, “Many are making judgments based solely on the color of his skin. They seem to overlook the substance of his achievements and the objectives he aims to fulfill.”

Eric Chelle, who is 47 years old, is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on Sunday to finalize his contract with the NFF, stepping into a role that is critical for the future of Nigerian football amidst heightened scrutiny.