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Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has shared his approach to managing a star-studded squad, Soccernet.football reports.
The former Mali international have been placed in charge of a Super Eagles team brimming with elite players including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Calvin Bassey.
Speaking candidly, Chelle emphasised humility and open dialogue as the cornerstones of his management style.
“They are great players, great men. I will come with a lot of humility, but once again, I have a lot of certainties. It is a dialogue that we will have to establish between us,” Chelle told RFI, via Matin Libre.
The Franco-Malian coach, unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday in Abuja, faces considerable skepticism over his credentials.
Many fans and analysts have questioned the decision to appoint Chelle over more experienced candidates, including German tactician Bruno Labbadia, with some calling it a misstep as Nigeria struggles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle’s coaching résumé includes stints with lower-division French clubs Athlético Marseille, Martigues, and Boulogne-sur-Mer, as well as Mali and Algeria’s Mouloudia Club d’Oran.
Addressing concerns about his experience, the 47-year-old coach expressed confidence in his readiness for the role.
“Already, there are a lot of people who say that I don’t have much experience. But ultimately, I do have experience,” Chelle asserted.
“I ended my career in 2014 and I’ve been coaching since that year. I coached a team, let’s say, from West Africa not long ago. I coached a team in Algeria, the Mouloudia Club d’Oran. So, I’m starting to get to know African football well.”
Chelle added that his tenure would be a mutual growth process. “Today, I feel ready to lead this great team with great players. I’m part of the progression process; the players will help me progress, and I will help them progress too because I have a vision of football that will really fit well with this team.”
With upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025, Chelle faces the daunting task of reigniting Nigeria’s hopes for a spot in Canada, the USA, and Mexico.
