Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has described his role as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” as he prepares to take charge of the Nigerian national team, MySportDab Reports.
The 46-year-old Malian tactician will start his tenure on Monday after leaving Algerian club MC Oran.
Chelle bade his goodbyes to MC Oran with a 1-0 win over Ittihad Setif in the Algerian Cup, bringing an end to his eventful short spell with the club.
He spoke in his last press conference of his gratitude to MC Oran while acknowledging the prestige that came with managing one of Africa’s top football nations.
This is my last meeting with you, and it’s the end of my adventure here. I will be in Nigeria from Monday to start another chapter,” Chelle said.
He said the MC Oran officials tried to convince him to stay, but he could not resist leading the Super Eagles. “The MCO officials insisted that I continue, but one cannot refuse to coach one of the best teams in Africa and the world,” he added.
His contract stipulated that upon termination, he was to pay a three-month advance, but Chelle’s leaving was a mutual understanding between him and the agency.
His record at MC Oran stands at six wins, two draws, and five losses in 13 matches since his appointment in October 2024.
He will now shift his attention to Nigeria’s important assignments, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
While some pundits might question his experience at the very highest level, Chelle certainly is confident. “Let’s go to the World Cup,” he declared, signaling his ambition to guide the Super Eagles to global success.
