Eric Sekou Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, is fully embracing life in Nigeria and is already making plans for the future of the national team. Speaking candidly in Abuja, the former defender shared insights on his first matches in charge, the atmosphere in camp, and his plans to rejuvenate the squad.
Following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Chelle acknowledged the late equaliser was a bitter pill, especially as it cost the team crucial points and dropped them to fourth place in the group. Yet he remained optimistic, pointing out the team’s strong attacking display, saying, “We had 11 shots at goal, but what most people remember was the goal we let in.”
Chelle, who refers to the players as “my guys,” emphasised the importance of building confidence and maintaining belief in qualification. He also defended his tactical choices, including bringing on a striker late in the Zimbabwe match, saying he’s added more aggression and intensity to the team.
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On a personal note, Chelle has taken well to his new surroundings. He’s renting a house in Abuja, enjoys Northern Nigerian dishes like masa and jollof rice, and reported no disciplinary issues among the players. “Everything has gone very well contrary to what I was told before the camp opened,” he noted.
Looking ahead, he plans to freshen up the squad with eligible players such as Lesley Ugochukwu, George Ilenikhena, and Carney Chukwuemeka. He aims to work closely with the NFF to make those call-ups possible.
The June international window will offer him more time with the team. Nigeria are set to face Russia in Moscow and participate in an invitational tournament in England involving Ghana and Jamaica. Chelle sees it as an opportunity to assess more talent and continue building toward success.
“I am here to work,” he declared, underlining his commitment to long-term development. While acknowledging the pressure of winning upcoming qualifiers, he stressed that the immediate focus is the home clash against Rwanda in Uyo.
Editorial
Eric Chelle’s early days at the helm of the Super Eagles have been anything but quiet, yet his grounded approach and cultural embrace have already made a positive impression. In an environment often turbulent with public pressure and federation politics, Chelle’s calm yet determined presence offers a refreshing shift.
Rather than making sweeping judgments after two games, he has chosen to learn, adapt, and build. His insistence on team unity, discipline, and tactical aggression reveals a coach not only focused on results but also on legacy. What’s more, his excitement to scout and integrate new talent signals a forward-thinking mentality rarely seen in the national team setup.
We particularly admire his respect for the local culture enjoying Nigerian cuisine, connecting with everyday people like hotel staff, and resisting the urge to scapegoat players after a setback. This connection matters. It strengthens his bond with fans and players, making his leadership feel more invested and human.
The Super Eagles are in transition. With Chelle’s vision, Nigeria has a real chance to build not just a World Cup-bound squad, but a new era of identity, discipline, and attacking flair. His next steps—especially recruitment and tactical refinement will be pivotal.
He has work to do, no doubt. But if his attitude is anything to go by, he may just be the right man for that work.
Did You Know?
- Eric Chelle was born in Ivory Coast but represented Mali at international level, earning over 20 caps.
- Masa, Chelle’s favourite Nigerian food, is a fermented rice cake native to Northern Nigeria, often served with spicy sauces.
- Lesley Ugochukwu, one of the players Chelle wants to bring in, is a midfielder at Chelsea FC and has represented France at youth level.
- Nigeria’s only previous friendly against Russia was cancelled due to diplomatic tensions—making the upcoming clash a historic first.
- The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, venue of the Zimbabwe match, has a capacity of 30,000 and is nicknamed the “Nest of Champions.”
