Eric Chelle has lifted the lid on his approach to managing the high-profile personalities within the Super Eagles camp.
The former RC Lens defender has revealed a strict code of discipline, respect, and personal connection as the cornerstone of his early success with Nigeria.
Appointed in January as the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Nigerian national team, Chelle stepped into unfamiliar territory.
Eric Chelle’s appointment was met with skepticism, particularly from a handful of former Super Eagles stars who questioned whether a Malian coach could command authority in a dressing room packed with elite European-based talent.
But rather than retreat, Eric Chelle, who has been praised for his management style, quietly got to work, and his methods are already bearing fruit.
The Super Eagles have remained unbeaten under his watch, recording three wins and two draws in five matches, and clinching the Unity Cup in London this May.
Stars like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman have flourished, displaying renewed hunger and cohesion rarely seen in recent years.
So, what’s the secret? Chelle explains it in no uncertain terms.
“When you arrive in a squad, the first speech is the most important,” Chelle said in an interview with Onze Mondial.
“You have to set strict rules. These rules will allow you to establish a framework around your squad. Everyone must fit into this framework.”
The former Mali international laid down one of his first commandments: punctuality.
“The first rule: training at 9:00 a.m., meeting in the locker room at 8:30 a.m,” Chelle revealed.
“If at 8:31 a.m., Osimhen, Ibrahimovic, Platini, Zidane, or Pelé arrive late, there must be a sanction. It’s mandatory. It’s a matter of respect for the institution and especially for the other players.”
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Chelle's consistency in applying these standards has helped win over his players.
“From the moment everyone is in the same boat, everyone respects you,” he adds.
“After that, you just have to respect people. That’s all. That’s my management style. Players like to be told the truth, they like to be respected. That’s how I operate.”
He singled out Victor Osimhen for praise, calling him one of the most intense competitors he’s ever worked with.
“Victor Osimhen is a football superstar, he’s a huge competitor,” Chelle noted.
“I haven’t seen many players like that in my life. And with him, everything was seamless. We’re actually very similar.”
The 46-year-old believes that understanding the human side of his players is key to managing them well.
“To manage these players well, I just try to get to know the man well,” Chelle added. “And to get to know the man well, you have to put respect first.”
Currently in charge of the Super Eagles B team as they prepare for next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), Chelle’s biggest test yet looms in September, when Nigeria face South Africa and Rwanda in make-or-break World Cup qualifiers.
This much is clear: under Chelle, discipline is non-negotiable, respect is reciprocal, and results are beginning to speak.
