Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle expressed his gratitude to Nigerian football fans following the team’s Unity Cup triumph on Saturday, while also reflecting on the disappointments that have marked his tenure so far, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle was appointed as Nigeria’s head coach with the primary task of steering the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Taking charge of a team that had struggled for consistency during the qualification campaign, the Franco-Malian tactician quickly restored stability and belief within the squad.
However, despite the improvement in performances, Nigeria ultimately fell short of securing a place at the Mundial after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF qualification play-off final, condemning the three-time African champions to another World Cup absence.
Related Post
The Super Eagles also showed encouraging signs under Chelle at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nigeria reached the semi-finals of the continental showpiece before suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco, eventually settling for a third-place finish.
While Saturday’s Unity Cup success over Jamaica provided a welcome moment of celebration, Chelle admitted that the pain of missing out on both the World Cup and AFCON glory still lingers.
Addressing supporters after lifting the trophy, the former Mali boss offered an emotional apology to Nigerians while thanking them for standing by the team throughout the highs and lows of his reign.
Eric Chelle’s message to Super Eagles fans
”I want to once again say sorry we didn’t go to the World Cup, this is my feeling, sorry we didn’t win the AFCON, I tried to do my job,” the Franco-Malian tactician said, per Complete Sports.
“I want to say thank you for all the support that was put in the team and once again I will give everything to this national team. Football is football and everyday I try to improve like a man and a coach, so I’d like to say thank you to this country.”
With the Unity Cup wrapped up, Nigeria will now begin preparations for the upcoming friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in June.
