Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says it is a “source of pride” to lead the Nigerian national team, describing the opportunity as “something huge” as he sets his sights on winning the country’s fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in January.
Chelle, who was appointed in January 2025, has revitalised the team’s form, guiding the Super Eagles to four wins and two draws in six matches. Under his watch, Nigeria have picked up 14 points from a possible 18 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a dramatic turnaround from the two points they had before his arrival, keeping their World Cup hopes firmly alive.
Speaking with CAFOnline.com, Chelle reflected on what it means to coach the three-time African champions.
“It’s something huge. Nigeria is a massive team, arguably the best in Africa in sporting terms and aura, in many respects. For me, it’s a great source of pride,” Chelle said.
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“As I’ve often said, it feels like a World Cup for me. It’s an iconic national side. It resonates even more because I was genuinely a supporter of this team. I remember the 1998 World Cup in France: they had a fantastic side. I even bought Nigeria shirts. For me, it’s a deep pride beyond words.”
Born to a French father and Malian mother, Chelle addressed the cultural significance of leading one of Africa’s football powerhouses, emphasising that his mission goes beyond sport.
“As I often say, it’s my DNA. Looking back on my career, this goes beyond football. Coming to coach in Africa, taking that step, it’s more than sport. I use football to carry a message: that everyone can live together. It’s not about origin or religion; it’s about respect for the individual.”
“Yes, it made waves that a Malian is in charge of Nigeria, but I’m simply trying to do my job with humility and respect. I arrived as someone who is 50% Malian, 50% French. But today I am in Nigeria; I consider myself Nigerian and I’m ready to give everything for this team and country. I’m focused on respecting each person and moving forward carefully with clear personal goals.”
Chelle’s Super Eagles will compete in Group C at AFCON 2025 alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, a group he considers competitive and demanding.
“At AFCON there are no small teams. It’s a festival and every nation arrives with a real chance. These teams want to show their progress and their footballing vision. Given our history, our quality of play and the calibre of past and present players, we must deliver a great AFCON,” he noted.
“It’s a tough group: Tunisia have had an excellent year; Uganda are improving fast under Paul Put; Tanzania’s domestic league is competitive. We’ll have to be very serious and trust our mindset.”
When asked about Nigeria’s objective for the tournament, Chelle was clear and ambitious.
“Of course we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON. My last and first AFCON was a fantastic experience. I think Morocco will be a great tournament, too. The players feel the same.”
“Since March we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar. We’ll be ready mentally and in our collective mindset. If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult. But there are big teams: Morocco are favourites, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire… nations in top form. Our strength is that the players have suffered, then found a way through. That can really hurt opponents.”
Asked what headline he hopes to see after the tournament, Chelle responded simply: “Nigeria, champions of Africa.”
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