“Nigeria has a new coach”- Ex-Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr sends message to Eric Chelle

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has sent a congratulatory message to Eric Chelle following his appointment as Nigeria's coach, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation announced Chelle's appointment at the start of the year. He replaced Augustine Eguavoen, who worked as an interim manager. His appointment raised many eyebrows due to his light CV. Nonetheless, the jury is still out on him ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

Meanwhile, Rohr, who is Nigeria's longest-serving coach, has congratulated Chelle.

“Nigeria has a new coach Eric Chelle, I wish him all the best. He will give you the chance to get the best players of the country,” Rohr told Shina Oludare.

️Gernot Rohr on

– His top pick to win AFCON
– Benin's challenging journey and humble aspirations
– A message for Nigeria’s Eric Chelle pic.twitter.com/UgCfzrnq2b

— Shina Oludare (@sportingshina) February 27, 2025

Rohr joined Benin after the NFF sacked him two years ago, and he has done well. His Benin team has even defeated Nigeria.

The Franco-German tactician was Nigeria's coach for over five years, and he understands how football works in the country.

Why Eric Chelle has to hit the ground running with the Super Eagles

Eric Chelle has a very big job in his hands in the coming months. His major task is leading Nigeria past the World Cup Qualifiers. And Nigeria are already in a precarious situation as they sit second from bottom with three points from four games.

If Chelle does not win his first two games, it is unlikely that he will last long on the job. The Super Eagles did not qualify fof the last World Cup. Hence, Nigerian fans would be desperate to see their team make the mundial this time.