Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has set the record straight regarding how he secured the job, dismissing claims that he landed the role through personal connections.
Chelle was officially appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation to replace Augustine Eguavoen, who had served in an interim capacity during Nigeria’s successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking during an interview with CANAL+ SPORT Afrique, Chelle made it clear that he followed due process like every other applicant, emphasizing that there were no shortcuts or special favors involved.
“When I left the Malian team, there was a call for applications from the NFF, from the Nigerian Federation and so I applied like any other coach and then interview came,” he explained.
The former Mali national team boss further revealed that he had to present his vision and coaching philosophy during a coaches’ conference, which played a key role in convincing the NFF of his suitability for the job.
“I was invited to a coaches’ conference where I presented my project or my vision and philosophy. I thought it would happen much faster but due to some events, I had to wait, so I left. I left for Rouen, but then it’s true that I had this opportunity which I risk losing. So I returned. For this great project.”
Chelle also shed light on the negotiation process, revealing that the NFF’s enthusiasm and seriousness toward his candidacy influenced his final decision to accept the offer.
“In the final moments of negotiation, you felt their determination and that made me come.
“We were in discussions since before then. It took a while, but then it accelerated. It was very very fast, maybe that’s why it made a big buzz there, but no no no once again I was aligned on what I wanted to do.”
With the appointment now sealed, Chelle looks ahead to guiding the Super Eagles on their journey to AFCON 2025 and beyond.
