Vanguard columnist, Ugoji Egbujo was taken by surprise and shame following the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle by the Nigeria Football Federation.

“I had thought it was fake news,” Ugorji started. “I observed that Eric Chelle neither had a distinguished playing career, nor shown any outstanding coaching ability.

“He lacks the Europeanness and won’t attract the ‘colonial’ respect to bridge our administrative lapses. He doesn’t have the clout to seed local into foreign openings.”

Continuing, Dr Ugoji summed, up his frustration. “Look, he might suceed. I don’t care if he qualifies us for the World Cup or wins the AFCON; we won it with Keshi and a near average team in 2013.

“But how did we end up with an average Malian as Super Eagles coach? So what if he wins nothing? How are we now comfortable with hiring ordinary Africans to run important positions our citizens can more than adequately fill?” he asked.

He condemned the appointment saying “it shows we lack ambition and are ready to keep gambling and we have lost our sense of shame.”