I'll never say negative things about Eric Chelle - Super Eagles B assistant coach

Remo Stars coach and Super Eagles assistant Daniel Ogunmodede has pledged his unwavering support for head coach Eric Chelle despite Nigeria’s poor performance at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Ogunmodede, alongside Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, handled the Super Eagles B during the CHAN qualifiers.

However, ahead of the finals, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Chelle, who also manages the main Super Eagles, to lead the team, with Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu serving as assistants.

That decision has come under heavy scrutiny after the CHAN Eagles endured a torrid run in the tournament.

Nigeria opened with a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal, conceding from a fortuitous strike, but their campaign unraveled in the second game, suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat to Sudan. The result confirmed their elimination with a game to spare.

Reports from within the camp suggest Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu have had limited influence on team affairs, despite their extensive experience working with home-based players.

Amid mounting criticism, Ogunmodede has refused to turn on Chelle, instead offering full backing to his boss.

“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 journalist 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.”

Nigeria will play its final group game against Congo next Tuesday in what is now a dead rubber fixture.

After CHAN, Chelle’s attention will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, with the Super Eagles set to face Rwanda and South Africa in the important matches.