By Edward Oseghe
Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has ended in disappointment, following a disastrous group stage run that saw the home-based Super Eagles crash out prematurely.
The CHAN Eagles, as they are popularly called, lost their opening match 1-0 to Senegal before suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Sudan — a result that confirmed their early elimination from the competition.
With one group match against Congo still to play, Nigeria’s fate has already been sealed.
The setback has sparked a wave of criticism from fans and football pundits, many of whom have questioned the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to hand over the team to Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle. Critics argue that sidelining homegrown tacticians Daniel Ogunmodede of Remo Stars and Fidelis Ilechukwu of Enugu Rangers undermined Nigeria’s chances, given their experience with domestic players.
Despite the frustration, assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede has publicly defended Chelle, distancing himself from suggestions of disloyalty.
Speaking in an interview with veteran journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Ogunmodede clarified his position.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
His remarks came amid reports that both Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu have had little to no influence over player selection and tactical decisions during the tournament.
Nonetheless, Ogunmodede maintained that his commitment to the project remains intact, even in the face of failure.
Attention now shifts to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Chelle’s technical team faces mounting pressure to deliver.
Nigeria will play Rwanda and South Africa in September — fixtures that could prove decisive for the country’s qualification hopes.
The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group B, six points behind leaders South Africa, with only four games left to play. Having recorded just one win in six qualifiers so far, the team must secure back-to-back victories to revive their campaign.
While the CHAN disappointment has raised questions about Chelle’s suitability, both Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu are expected to retain their roles in the backroom staff as Nigeria prepares for the crucial qualifiers.
Meanwhile, former Enyimba forward Brown Ideye added his voice to the debate, stating bluntly that “the boys were not good enough,” further underlining the concerns over Nigeria’s dwindling fortunes on the continental stage.
