Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has set his sights on restoring Nigeria to the “pinnacle of world football,” starting with securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chelle made this pledge during his unveiling ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Monday.
The 47-year-old Malian tactician, appointed as the 37th coach of the Super Eagles, signed a two-year contract with an option for extension if he qualifies Nigeria for the World Cup. Despite the Super Eagles’ precarious position in the qualifiers, Chelle remains optimistic about turning the tide.
**Challenging Qualifiers Ahead**
Currently fifth in Group C with just three points from four games, the Super Eagles face a daunting task. They must win all six remaining matches or hope for favorable results in other fixtures to avoid missing a consecutive World Cup appearance.
Addressing the challenge, Chelle stated, “If you want to be a great coach, you need to take some risks and make sacrifices. I want to make history. I will work closely with the players and be a big brother to them. It is my prayer that we qualify for the World Cup.”
**Vision and Style**
Known for his attacking philosophy during his tenure with Mali, Chelle emphasized the importance of scoring goals and promised to bring the same energy to Nigeria. “Football is about scoring goals. I know the expectations of Nigerians and will work diligently with my team to meet them,” he said.
The coach, a long-time admirer of the Super Eagles, expressed his joy at fulfilling a boyhood dream. “When I was young, Nigeria was my favorite team. I watched all their games during the World Cup in France and owned their shirt. Coaching this team is an honor I do not take lightly,” Chelle shared.
**Focus on Unity and Excellence**
Chelle pledged to harness the talent of both local and international players, aiming to build a team that reflects Nigeria’s unity and strength. “My goal is clear: to restore the Super Eagles to the pinnacle of world football. This will require hard work, discipline, and a realistic yet ambitious strategy,” he said.
Chelle previously led Mali to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and left his position at Algerian club MC Oran to join the Super Eagles. As Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 World Cup intensifies, all eyes will be on Chelle to deliver on his promises and steer the team to success.
