Former technical director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), James Peters has come out with a startling revelation that interference by officials in a coach’s duty is a common feature in the country.
Sports247 reports that the declaration by ‘JayPee’ comes against the backdrop of recent criticism hurled at Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle, over his choice of players for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Rather than scold Chelle’s choice of players, Peters appeared to encourage the Franco-Malian tactician to develop a thick skin in the face of intrusions by NFF officials, which he warned is inevitable.
Peters used the personal experience he faced during his days as Nigeria’s under-23 national team coach for a catchy reference point about what Chelle should be ready to face as Eagles’ gaffer.
‘Jay Pee’ declared, “Interference has always been there, but you must always stand your ground. I faced great interference when I was forming my under-23 team, which had Precious Monye, Chinedu Anazonwu, Christopher Edem, and Andrew Aikhomogbe.
I had great interference to worry about. Some players were brought in without my knowledge, and the officials went through my back. But, I stood my ground. I made enemies, and I made friends. That’s what you must face as a coach,” Peters submitted.
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