Since the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, opinions have been pouring in from fans, pundits, and ex-internationals alike.
The role had been vacant since Finidi George’s resignation in June 2024, with Austin Eguavoen stepping in as interim coach. After seven months of waiting, the NFF finally named the 47-year-old Malian tactician as the permanent head coach.
In reaction to the announcement, Brila FM reached out to several football stakeholders for their take on Chelle’s appointment.
Pundits’ and Ex-Internationals’ Reactions
Former Gombe FA Chairman, Shuaibu Gara Gombe, didn’t hold back:
“Who is Chelle? Who knows him? What are his antecedents? Nothing! It’s unfortunate for Nigeria.”
On Brila FM’s “No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze,” sports analyst Isaac Okonkwobluntly called the decision: “Rubbish.”
In contrast, ex-international *Mutiu Adepoju* took a more measured approach:
“I believe the NFF has a reason for whatever they do. I would have thought there would be a stronger option, but they must believe this is the right decision.
Time will tell. All we have to do is support and hope that everything works out.”
Former Nigerian international Felix Owolabi highlighted the importance of trust in Chelle:
“Everything is about belief and confidence. If you give him confidence, he will give you his best.”
Chris Green, former Chairman of the NFF Technical Committee, emphasized creating the right environment for success:
“Since the NFF has announced him, I hope they’ve also arranged the environment he will work in so that he can thrive and qualify us for the next World Cup.”
Chelle’s Background
During his playing days, Eric Chelle was a reliable central defender, representing French clubs such as Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
Transitioning into coaching, Chelle managed several clubs, including:
GS Consolat (France Amateur League), FC Martigues (Ligue 2), Boulogne (Championnat National), MC Oran (Algerian Ligue)
In May 2022, he became head coach of the Mali national team, where his most notable achievement was guiding them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
Mali narrowly lost 2-1 in extra time to eventual winners Côte d’Ivoire.
However, Chelle’s tenure with Mali ended in June 2024 when he was dismissed after two years in charge.
Chelle’s Coaching Record
Chelle boasts a career managerial record of:
67 Wins, 40 Draws, 41 Losses. This results in a win percentage of 45.27%.
His highest achievement remains his 2023 AFCON quarter-final finish with Mali, a tournament in which Nigeria, under José Peseiro, reached the final but fell short of lifting the trophy.
As Chelle takes on the enormous responsibility of qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the reactions to his appointment underscore the stakes and expectations that come with managing the three-time African champions.
