The National Association of Nigerian Students recently issued a statement disassociating itself from an individual named Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo who claimed to be the Clerk of the NANS Senate and threatened a nationwide protest over the appointment of Eric Chelle as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, clarified that Odunayo’s claims were baseless and not representative of NANS or Nigerian students. Akinteye emphasized that Odunayo did not hold any position in the organization and urged the Nigeria Football Federation to ignore the protest threat.
Akinteye also called on security agencies to investigate these impostors for impersonation and incitement of public unrest. He acknowledged the NFF’s authority in making technical decisions and encouraged them to focus on scouting talents from Nigerian campuses to enhance the country’s football prospects. The NANS reiterated that no official body within the organization endorsed or supported any protest against Chelle’s appointment, denouncing such claims as deceptive and contrary to the interests of Nigerian students.