Akuneto expresses doubts about Eric Sekou Chelle’s ability to deliver CHAN glory for Nigeria

Former Nigerian international and current Oldham United coach, Chukwuma Akuneto, has voiced reservations about Eric Sekou Chelle's capability to guide the Super Eagles B team to their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) title, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.

Nigeria has a respectable CHAN history, securing bronze in 2014 and silver in 2018. However, the country missed the last two editions of the tournament. This year, the Super Eagles B team qualified for the competition with a convincing 3-1 aggregate victory over Ghana's Black Galaxies, signaling a much-anticipated return to the prestigious tournament.

The 2024 CHAN tournament, hosted for the first time across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will feature 19 teams competing for a prize pool of $3.5 million. At the draw held on January 15, 2025, in Nairobi, Nigeria was placed in a challenging Group D alongside defending champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan—the only four-team group in the competition.

In an interview with Completesports.com, Akuneto commended the improvements in Nigeria's domestic league but remained cautious about Chelle’s potential to lead the team to victory.

"Our local league has improved significantly in terms of organization, and this has positively impacted the quality of the NPFL," Akuneto said. "So I’m expecting a good performance from our players at CHAN."

When asked directly about Chelle’s ability to secure Nigeria’s maiden CHAN title, Akuneto stated, "I don’t know. He is currently coaching in Africa (MC Oran of Algeria), so he understands the football on the continent, and his coaching and playing career show that he is highly experienced. I expect good things, but you never go into a major tournament with trophies in hand already."

Akuneto also highlighted the critical role of preparation in the team's success, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to provide full support for the coach and players.

"I hope the NFF provides sufficient support for the team so Coach Chelle can implement his plans and strategies to achieve victory," he concluded.

The road to CHAN 2024 glory will be tough for the Super Eagles B team. With the pressure of returning after a six-year absence and competing in a group that includes defending champions Senegal, Chelle and his team must deliver a flawless performance to meet fans' expectations.

While doubts linger, Akuneto's cautious optimism reflects the hope that proper planning and execution can turn the tide in Nigeria’s favor.