Ex-Nigeria men’s national team coach Gernot Rohr has wished present gaffer of the Super Eagles Eric Chelle “all the best” ahead of the African giants’ all important World Cup qualifiers in March, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian Football Federation appointed Chelle as Super Eagles boss early last month, and the Franco-Malian’s immediate task is to get Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign back on track, starting with games against Rwanda on March 19 and Zimbabwe on March 22.
Nigeria’s qualification for the mundial is already in serious doubt following a shambolic start to the campaign. The Super Eagles have failed to register a single win so far, recording three draws and one defeat.
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Their only defeat so far came in a shock 2-1 loss to West African underdogs Benin Republic. Interestingly, the Benin national team is currently under the tutelage of Rohr, who spent five years in charge of the Nigeria national team.
Speaking to Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare on a host of matters relating to African football, the Franco-German, whose Benin will face Nigeria again in October, believes the Super Eagles are in good hands under Chelle.
“Nigeria has a new coach Eric Chelle, I wish him all the best. He will give you the chance to get the best players of the country,” Rohr said.
After missing out on the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, Nigeria will be desperate to get their qualifying campaign back on track and secure qualification for football’s biggest tournament ahead of 2026.
Nigerian football lovers had mixed reactions to Chelle’s appointment, as many were unfamiliar with the former Mali coach before the Nigerian Football Federation selected him.
Whether Chelle is the man to take the Super Eagles beyond their current status of mediocrity and underachievement will become clear in the coming months.
