Super Eagles coach: Why NFF may have handed Eric Chelle jersey number 12 – Photo

Newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle, has sparked curiosity after being assigned the number 12 jersey by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Mali international was officially unveiled as the new head coach of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions at the MKO Abiola National Stadium conference room.

At the event, Chelle, together with other stakeholders of the Nigerian football body, were spotted posing with the Super Eagles jersey with his name and the jersey number 12 on it.

Possible reasons for Chelle’s Jersey number

Normally, numbers written on the back of jerseys after a contract is signed in the world of football often signify the contract years agreed between the player or manager and the management.

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However, with Chelle signing a two-year contract with the Nigerian football body, it is far from conclusive that it signifies the number of years or months on his contract.

Traditionally, jersey numbers hold symbolic meanings, with the number 12 often referred to as the “12th man.” This could also be interpreted as the NFF’s way of emphasising Chelle’s crucial role.

During Chelle’s playing days, he was also known to wear the number 12 jersey at both club and international levels.

From 2005 to 2008, Chelle donned the number 12 jersey at Valenciennes CF and during the 2013–14 season campaign at Chamois Niortais FC.

Although the Côte d’Ivoire-born tactician was also associated with other jersey numbers, such as 24 at FC Martigues and RC Lens and number 6 at FC Istres Ouest Provence, the number 12 remains significant.

What to expect from Super Eagles 12th man

The former RC Lens star has established himself as one of the top African coaches in recent years, particularly for his impact on the Malian national team, where he narrowly lost to Côte d’Ivoire at the 2023 AFCON tournament.

Now, he is set to lead one of Africa’s finest teams, the Super Eagles, with the task of maximising the squad’s potential.

His first major challenge will be the Super Eagles’ must-win clashes against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, where he will aim to secure maximum points for the team.

With his impressive track record with the Mali national team, there is optimism that he can achieve even greater success with Nigeria.