Malian tactician Eric Chelle has expressed his admiration for some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons after his official unveiling as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation introduced the former RC Lens defender to the public on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
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Chelle, 47, becomes the 37th head coach of Nigeria’s national team and the first non-Nigerian African to take charge of the three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners.
Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and Malian mother, the former defender represented Mali internationally, earning five caps.
Despite his Malian ties, Chelle disclosed his deep admiration for the Super Eagles during his youth, highlighting three Nigerian legends who inspired him: Christian Chukwu, the 1980 AFCON-winning captain; Victor Ikpeba, the 1997 African Footballer of the Year; and Daniel Amokachi, a two-time Belgian Ebony Shoes Award winner.
“This is a great job for me. I'm so proud and honoured,” Chelle said during his unveiling.
“Nigeria has a great history, from Christian Chukwu, (Victor) Ikpeba, (Daniel) Amokachi. When I was young, Nigeria was my favourite team.”
Chelle has pledged to transform the Super Eagles into an attacking force, promising fans a goal-laden style of play.
His record with Mali underscores his attacking philosophy: during his tenure, Mali netted over 40 goals in 22 matches, winning 14 games, drawing five, and losing just three.
Under his guidance, Mali reached the 2023 AFCON quarterfinals, overcoming South Africa and Burkina Faso before falling to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in extra time.
“I love scoring goals. My teams are never lacking in goals, and the Super Eagles will be no exception – we will score goals,” Chelle added.
Chelle will also oversee the home-based Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
However, his immediate task lies in reviving Nigeria’s stuttering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in their group, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho. Only the group winners secure a spot in the tournament.
