Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu were in charge of the Super Eagles B during the CHAN qualifiers, but the NFF chose Eric Chelle to lead the team to the finals….
Remo Stars coach and Super Eagles assistant Daniel Ogunmodede has pledged his unabated support to coach Eric Chelle despite Nigeria’s dismal performance at the CHAN tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ogunmodede and Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu were in charge of the CHAN Eagles during the qualifers.
But going into the competition, the Nigeria Football Federation appointed the main Super Eagles team coach Chelle, to take over the CHAN Eagles and relegated Ilechukwu and Ogunmodede to assistants.
Unfortunately, that decision has not paid off, as the CHAN Eagles have been abysmal at the tournament.
They lost their first game to Senegal 1-0. But despite the loss, it was a decent performance from the team, and the only goal they conceded was a fortuitous goal.
However, they fell apart like a pack of cards in their second game against Sudan, as they lost 4-0.
That loss effectively knocked them out of the tournament even with one game left in the group stage.
The outcome of the CHAN tournament has caused quite a ruckus, as the NFF’s decision to make Chelle the coach has been heavily criticized.
Also, there have been reports from sources close to the team that Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu have had very little input on the team despite having more experience with home-based players.
However, amid all the chaos, coach Ogunmodede has been openly backed Chelle and has affirmed his commitment to the Franco-Malian tactician.
“Many people are expecting me to say negative things about my head coach (Eric Chelle), because I am no longer in charge of the team and we are not doing well at CHAN 2024,” Ogunmodede told Osasu Obayiuwana.
“I will never do that. I am his assistant and I accepted to do this job. I stand with him and I sink with him. That is what loyalty and professionalism is about.”
What is Next For Eric Chelle After The CHAN Failure?
The Super Eagles B will play their last game of the CHAN tournament next Tuesday against Congo. It is a dead rubber game and will have no consequence on either team’s future at the tournament.
After the CHAN, the next assignment for Eric Chelle will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in September.
They will play Rwanda and South Africa in games that hold a high level of importance to Nigeria. Anything other than a win will have dire consequences.
Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu will likely be with the coaching team when that time comes.