At the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the photo of Éric Chelle, head coach of Mali at the time, stooping on the touchline in anguish as water was poured over his head, became one of the defining images of the tournament, Footynaija.com reports.
Captured just moments after Oumar Diakité’s 120th-minute winner sealed a dramatic 2–1 victory for the host nation in Bouaké, the image went viral across Africa and beyond, with fans dubbing Chelle the “water man.”
Mali had looked set to progress when Nene Dorgeles gave them a second-half lead, but Simon Adingra’s 90th-minute equaliser forced extra time before Diakité’s late strike stunned the Eagles. What should have been Chelle’s proudest night as a young international coach turned into one of personal agony, as his health scare overshadowed the football.
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Now charged with guiding Nigeria through World Cup qualification, Chelle continues to be asked about that viral moment. Speaking recently in Zanzibar during the 2024 CHAN tournament, he explained the real story behind the photo in a conversation with journalist Osasuo.
“Everyone calls me ‘Water man’, because of that match. But do you know the story behind that?” Chelle said in the interview shared on X.
“Before the tournament, I had surgery, in France, for a cardiac problem. It was issues relating to that which led to them pouring water on me, to revive me.”
The coach’s admission revealed that what many saw as a theatrical moment of despair was in fact linked to a medical issue. The revelation has added new depth to the picture, transforming it from meme material into a symbol of Chelle’s resilience.
Since taking over Nigeria in January 2025, the French-born Malian has tried to channel that same spirit into his work with the Super Eagles.
