NANS denies plans for protest against Eric Chelle’s appointment as Super Eagles coach

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has dismissed reports claiming that it plans to protest the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

In a statement released on Friday, NANS Senate President Afeez Akinteye clarified that the association was not involved in any such protest.

He said that the association’s attention had been drawn to a false and misleading report allegedly made by someone claiming to be the clerk of the NANS Senate, who had threatened a nationwide protest over Chelle’s appointment.

Akinteye categorically rejected the claims, describing them as “baseless, fraudulent, and not reflective of the stance of the leadership of NANS or the sentiments of Nigerian students.”

He further emphasized that the individual in question held no position within the organization and urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to disregard the supposed protest.

“We unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the disingenuous utterances of these self-appointed individuals, whose credentials and affiliation with NANS are dubious at best,” Akinteye said.

He also accused those behind the false protest of attempting to exploit the NANS name for personal gain, including blackmail and financial inducement.

Akinteye called on security agencies to investigate the individuals responsible for the fabricated claims, citing impersonation and the incitement of public unrest as serious offenses.

He also expressed disappointment in media outlets that reported the unverified claims, urging them to uphold journalistic standards and verify sources before publishing information.

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“NANS acknowledges and respects the NFF’s prerogative to make technical decisions in the best interest of Nigerian football,” Akinteye stated. “We implore the NFF to remain resolute in its decisions and ignore the empty threats of protest.”

While expressing support for the NFF’s choices, Akinteye also encouraged the federation to look to Nigerian campuses for untapped football talent.

He suggested creating a pipeline to identify and promote homegrown players, which he described as a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian football.

Akinteye concluded by reiterating that no organ of NANS had endorsed or proposed any protest against Chelle’s appointment.

He condemned the claims as the work of “desperate impostors” whose agenda was harmful to Nigerian students.