As he assumes leadership of the three-time African champions, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has stated his goal to guide Nigeria to the “pinnacle of world football,” beginning with a trip to the 2026 World Cup, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
One week after being named the 37th coach of the Super Eagles, Chelle was unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday during a short ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
He was given a two-year contract that might be extended if he wins a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Since his appointment last week, the NFF has constantly hammered the coach’s task of leading Nigeria to the tournament which will be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico despite the precarious situation of the Eagles in the qualifying series.
Nigeria has only three points after four rounds of the series, having only drawn three and lost one, placing them seventh in Group C.
The Eagles need to win all six of their remaining group games or perhaps hope for favorable outcomes in other matches in order to avoid the risk of missing out on a consecutive FIFA World Cup, a task Chelle faced before his unveiling.
The former Mali coach responded, “If you want to be a great coach, you need to take some risks, you need to make some sacrifices,” when asked if he would accept responsibility at the conclusion of the qualifying campaign.
“I want to be in the history. The first thing, I need to talk to the players. I will be a big brother. It is my prayer that we are going to the World Cup.
“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.”
His aggressive and entrepreneurial style with the Mali national team at the AFCON, which he emphasized he will bring to Nigeria, served as the focal point for the majority of the responses that have followed his appointment.
Since the purpose of football is to score goals, I prefer an attacking approach. I will sit down and work hard with assistance to get the Super Eagles into the 2026 FIFA World Cup because I am aware of what Nigerians demand.
The 47-year-old, who grew up cheering for the Nigerian national team, also enjoyed his lifelong ambition of joining the Super Eagles.
“The Nigerian squad is not only a team. This was my favorite team when I was younger. I had a shirt, and I watched every World Cup match in France. It was my team, and I was in Marseille.
“I am already working diligently right now. My objective is very clear: to return the Super Eagles to their rightful place at the top of the world football rankings. Hard work, self-control, and a realistic yet ambitious plan are necessary for this. In a social media post, the coach said, “I will rely on the exceptional talent of our players, whether they play at home or abroad, and build a team that reflects the unity, strength, and excellence of Nigeria.”
Chelle left his position at top Algerian team MC Oran, 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists, to join the Super Eagles. He brought Mali’s Aiglons within striking distance of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
