Eric Chelle reveals application process behind Super Eagles appointment

By Monsurah Olatunji

Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has dismissed speculation surrounding his appointment, clarifying that he secured the role through a formal application process, not personal connections.

Chelle, a former Mali international, was named head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), succeeding Augustine Eguavoen, who led the team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on an interim basis.

His appointment surprised many fans and observers, particularly amid reports linking the NFF with more high-profile European coaches such as former Sweden manager Janne Andersson and ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss Bruno Labbadia.

In an interview with CANAL+ SPORT Afrique, the 47-year-old French-born tactician emphasized transparency in the recruitment process.

“When I left the Malian team, there was a call for applications from the NFF, from the Nigerian Federation, and so I applied like any other coach,” Chelle explained.

“I was invited to a coaches’ conference where I presented my project, my vision, and philosophy. It took longer than expected, so I left for Rouen. But then, this opportunity came, and I returned—for this great project.”

Chelle also noted that the NFF’s resolve during the final negotiation stages influenced his decision to accept the job.

“In the final moments of negotiation, you felt their determination, and that made me come,” he added.

“We had been in discussions for some time. It eventually accelerated very quickly—maybe that’s why it caused a buzz—but again, I was aligned with what I wanted to do.”

Chelle previously led Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2023 AFCON, his only major tournament in charge. His coaching career began in 2014 as an assistant at GS Consolat, followed by head coaching roles at Martigues and Boulogne.

Since taking over Nigeria, Chelle has earned four points in his first two matches: a 2–0 win over Rwanda and a 1–1 draw with Zimbabwe in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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