Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has dismissed claims that his appointment was influenced by personal connections, insisting that he earned the role through a transparent and merit-based process.
Chelle, who was named as Nigeria’s new head coach by the NFF, as the permanent replacement for Finidi George, has been tasked with reigniting Nigeria’s faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, while also leading the team to a successful AFCON tournament later this year.
In an interview with CANAL+ SPORT Afrique, the Malian explained the process that led to his appointment, noting that he followed the regular steps any coach would go through in the selection process.
“When I left the Malian team, there was a call for applications from the NFF, and I applied like any other coach. Then came the interview,” Chelle said.
The Coach further revealed that he presented his vision and footballing philosophy at a coaching conference organized by the NFF, a moment that was crucial in moving the process forward.
“I was invited to a coaches’ conference where I presented my project or my vision and philosophy. I thought it would happen much faster, but due to some events, I had to wait, so I left for Rouen, but then it’s true that I had this opportunity which I risk losing. So I returned. For this great project,” he stated.
Chelle also acknowledged the seriousness of the NFF during final talks, saying their determination to bring him on board ultimately convinced him to accept the role.
“In the final moments of negotiation, you felt their determination and that made me come. We were in discussions since before then. It took a while, but then it accelerated,” Chelle said, emphasizing that while the decision took time, it was ultimately a quick process once things were finalized.
“It was very very fast, maybe that’s why it made a big buzz there, but no no no once again I was aligned on what I wanted to do,” Chelle added, asserting that his decision was in line with his long-term goals and vision for Nigerian football.
Chelle has started his role with some stability, securing four points from his first two games in charge in the World Cup qualifiers, which has set a positive tone for the upcoming challenges.
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