The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Thursday staged a protest at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, condemning the recent appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the substantive head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Led by Abdul Yekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the Senate at NANS National Headquarters, the students criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for making what they described as an “unacceptable decision” that disregards the expectations of Nigerians and undermines the wealth of local coaching talent.

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“We are gathered here today to address an issue that has not only baffled us but has also drawn widespread disapproval from Nigerian students and sports enthusiasts alike,” Odunayo stated during the protest.

Odunayo emphasized that the appointment of Chelle, a former Malian international with a managerial history that includes stints at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne, fails to align with the aspirations of Nigerians for a tactical coach capable of leveraging the nation’s abundant football talent.

“This appointment is not only unacceptable but also a slap in the face of our nation’s coaching potential,” Odunayo declared. “NANS, as the voice of Nigerian students, is compelled to demand an immediate reversal of this decision.”

The students also hinted at plans for a nationwide protest if the NFF does not heed their demands, urging the federation to consider a more qualified coach with a proven track record to lead the Super Eagles to success.

Chelle’s appointment was confirmed by the NFF on Tuesday, with his immediate mandate being to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, his recent managerial stint with Mali ended in dismissal in June 2024, raising concerns about his readiness for the high-stakes role with the Super Eagles.

In a thrilling but yet agonizing encounter, the Solid Miners fell short on the road, losing 2-1 to Enyimba International FC in a rescheduled matchday 17 game in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Season.

The game was played at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday evening.

Despite Anas Yusuf cancelling out Joseph Atule’s first half goal, his eleventh in the current campaign for the Solid Miners, Nasarawa United could not capitalize on their second half momentum, ultimately succumbing to a 63rd minute winner courtesy of former 2013 Africa Cup of Nations’ Winner with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Brown Ideye.

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The game got off to a blistering start, with both teams creating opportunities. Enyimba drew the first blood via Joseph Atule at the stroke of half-time.

However, rave of the moment and the League’s leading goalscorer, Anas Yusuf drew United on level terms with a well-crafted goal off Qamar Adegoke’s assist, thirteen minute into the restart, his 11th for the Solid Miners this season.

However, former Nigerian international, Brown Ideye, came off the bench to return the home side on the lead, four minutes later, with Joseph Atule the architect of the pass.

Anas Yusuf who helped Nigeria Super Eagles’ Team B with the CHAN 2025 Championship ticket almost drew the visitors level again but missed the sitter to the disbelief of the visitors.

The Aba Elephants held firm to the scoreline up until the full-time to snatch the winner, leaving United to rue their missed chances.

The loss leaves the Solid Miners on 20th position with nineteen points from nineteen games, while Enyimba move up to 7th position with twenty-seven points from seventeen games.

With the league currently on mid-season break, Nasarawa United will be looking forward to fortifying their squad before their next home game against visiting Katsina United FC on 19th January, 2025, when the second stanza commences.

Liverpool Manager, Arne Slot has dismissed suggestions that contract issues surrounding key players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, are affecting their performances.

Slot’s comments come in the wake of Alexander-Arnold’s underwhelming display during the 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, which saw him at fault for Lisandro Martinez’s opening goal.

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The 26-year-old right-back, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Reports have claimed that the Spanish giants made an approach to sign Alexander-Arnold, although Liverpool are said to have rejected the bid.

With his contract situation now in the public eye, Alexander-Arnold’s performance against United was heavily scrutinized.

Slot acknowledged the defender’s below-par performance but insisted that one bad game does not overshadow his long history of contributions to the team.

“He’s played so, so, so many games well for this club,” Slot stated. “Now it wasn’t his best, like for some others, it wasn’t the best game. And we just pick it up, start training again because these players know if you play 50, 60 games in the season, that once in a while you don’t have your best performance.”

In addition to Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and top scorer Mohamed Salah are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season, further fueling speculation over the futures of the club’s star players.

Despite the ongoing contract concerns, Slot expressed frustration at the narrative surrounding his players’ performances.

“If we drop points, if Mo (Salah) misses the penalty against Madrid, he’s distracted by his contract situation,” he remarked.

“If Trent has not his best performance, he’s distracted by the contract situation. If they play really well, nobody tells me, ‘Yeah, that’s because they have a contract situation.’”

Slot emphasized that his focus remains on the team and the upcoming challenges, including their League Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

“I’m not focused on social media posts or what has been said about us,” he said. “I talk to my players so if there is anything that worries them, then they share this with me. That has not happened until now.”