Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha has firmly dismissed rumours that he called for the dissolution of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board, following widespread speculation last week. The rumours emerged after reports claimed Okocha had criticised the NFF’s appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior football team, igniting heated debates across social media platforms.
Addressing the issue on Lagos Talks FM, Okocha expressed his frustration with the false information circulating, stating that he had never given an interview on the matter. “I didn’t grant any interview. I don’t know why the person who wrote that story quoted me,” Okocha clarified.
The football legend further explained that even if he disagreed with certain decisions within the NFF, he would not publicly call for the board’s dissolution. “If you want to talk to me, you can call me. We might have similar opinions on certain things, but let it come from me. Even if you know that things are wrong in the NFF, you cannot say they should dissolve the NFF board. There is a process; they are elected,” he added.
Okocha also took the opportunity to reaffirm his strong relationships with influential figures in Nigerian football, including NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, former Super Eagles stars Victor Ikpeba, Garba Lawal, and Augustine Eguavoen. “I am close to Gusau, Ikpeba, Lawal, and Eguavoen. If I have anything to say, I’ll reach out to them directly. I don’t have to speak through the press. If they don’t listen or value what I’m saying, then I can go public,” he concluded.
The former football star’s response aims to quell the rumours and emphasise his commitment to constructive dialogue within Nigerian football, rather than through sensational media claims.
