Players of the senior national team of Mali have threatened to quit the team if the football federation fails to bring back sacked coach Eric Chelle who is the odds on favorite to be named the coach of the senior national team of Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com understands.
Chelle was dismissed as coach of the Malian side after the disappointment of the last round of games in the word cup qualifiers, where they were beaten 1-2 by Ghana at home before playing a 0-0 draw away to Madagascar.
The results led to his exit as coach despite all he achieved in the two years he handled the team. They lost just two games under his guidance one of which was the defeat against Cote d’Ivoire in the AFCON on penalties and the qualifiers loss to Ghana.
Nigeria have him high on their list among potential replacements for Finidi George, who left his role as coach, following poor results in the world cup qualifiers where they were beaten 1-2 by Benin Republic after drawing 1-1 at home against South Africa.
That plans is facing huge opposition from the players of the Malian team who are pushing the federation to bring back the 47 year old, else they will quit the team as he was key in their decision to pledge their allegiance to the team.
Most of the players were born in France but Chelle used his links and reputation to lure them to Mali. His exit which the players feel is harsh has made them turn against the FA , who are now pushing to make amends by reaching out to the representative of the coach.
However it seems Chelle has gotten the approval from top brass from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that he will be the next coach of the Nigerian team. The deal is expected to be wrapped up in two weeks time.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
