…. Monimichelle drums support for Eagles coach
BY EZEOCHA NZEH
The media center of the Moshood Kolawole Abiola (MKO) Abiola stadium in Abuja was filled with joy and lots of expectation on Monday, as journalists, stakeholders. as well as fans, including the members of the Nigeria Football Supporters club and their mascots gathered to witness the unveiling of Franco Malian coach, Eric Sekou Chelle as the next Chief Coach of former African champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, had assured Nigerians that newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, is committed to delivering results for the nation.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony Gusau sought to dispel doubts over the new coach’s credentials and ability to lead Nigeria’s senior national team successfully.
Gussu spine even as Chelle s appointment had been greeted with criticisms and condemnation of the NFF by done section of Nigeria’s football followed who argue that the former Malian international and coach lacks the pedigree to manage the Super Eagles, especially at this period when Nigeria is in a fire need of the 2026 FIFA world cup ticket
Gussu said, “We understand how passionate Nigerians are about football,” Gusau said. I want to assure you that Eric is here to work, and he is here to deliver results. The technical committee did its job diligently, and we are confident in his abilities.
The NFF president argued further that no Nigerian national team coach had come to handle the Super Eagles with a high pedigree, stressing that the likes of both Clemence Westerhof and Bonfrere Jo made their coaching marks in Nigeria without any prior record before their appointments
Gussu noted that Chelle’s primary objective would be s to guide the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Nigeria resumes its qualification campaign in March with an away match against Rwanda, followed by a home fixture against Zimbabwe.
The NFF disclosed that the former RC Lens solid defender signed a two year contract, with an option of additional one year, if he qualifies Nigeria’ for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The newly appointed coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, however assured Nigerians that he understands the expectations placed on him and is determined to deliver success.
Speaking after his unveiling on Monday at the Media Centre of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Chelles, who signed a two-year contract, expressed excitement about his new role and promised to bring his best to the job.
“This is an amazing job for me,” said Chelle, the 37th coach in the history of Nigeria’s senior national team. “Nigeria has a great history, from Amunike, Amokachi, Taribo West, to the new generation—Ademola Lookman, Osimhen, and others. I love attacking football. Football is about scoring goals, and I want to win. I came to Nigeria to work, and I am ready to do just that.”
The former defender highlighted his deep connection to Nigerian football, revealing that the Super Eagles have been his favorite team since his childhood. “The Nigerian team is more than a team. When I was young, this was my favorite team. I watched their matches, and I know a little about the history. I want to put in place my game project and work closely with my players as a big brother.”
Chelle emphasized the importance of creating a strong team spirit and fostering a winning mentality.
“The state of mind is key. You need to build up a team with great spirit. I plan to implement great projects around this team. I will focus on each game as it comes, and with that, we can be ambitious.”
Chelle said his experience as a leader on and off the pitch has prepared him for this role. “I was a football professional. I played over 100 matches, and I was a leader. I know the expectations of Nigerian football,” he said
Chelle’s first baptism of fire as Super Eagles coach would be the monumental task of leading the Super Eagles to success when they confront the World Cup qualifiers in March.
List of former Super Eagles Coaches
John Finch (England) – 1949
Daniel Anyiam (Nigeria) – 1954-1956; 1964-1965
Les Courtier (England) – 1956-1960
Moshe Beit Halevi (Israel) – 1960-1961
George Vardar (Hungary) – 1961-1963
Joey Blackwell (England) – 1963 – 1964
József Ember (Hungary) – 1965-1968
Sabino Barinaga (Spain) – 1968-1969
Peter ‘Eto’ Amaechina (Nigeria) – 1969-1970
Karl-Heinz Marotzke (Germany) – 1970-1971; 1974
Jorge Penna (Brazil) – 1972-1973
Jelisavčić ‘Father Tiko’ Tihomir (Yugoslavia) – 1974-1978
Otto Glória (Brazil) – 1979-1982
Gottlieb Göller (Germany) – 1981
Adegboye Onigbinde (Nigeria) – 1983-1984; 2002
Chris Udemezue (Nigeria) – 1984-1986
Patrick Ekeji (Nigeria) – 1985
Paul Hamilton (Nigeria) – 1987; 1989
Manfred Höner (Germany) – 1988-1989
Clemens Westerhof (Netherlands) – 1989-1994
Amodu Shaibu (Nigeria) – 1994-1995; 1996-1997; 2001-2002; 2008-2010
Johannes Bonfrere (Netherlands) – 1995-1996; 1999-2001
Philippe Troussier (France) – 1997
Monday Sinclair (Nigeria) – 1997-1998
Bora Milutinović (Yugoslavia) – 1998
Thijs Libregts (Netherlands) – 1999
Christian Chukwu (Nigeria) – 2002-2005
Augustine Eguavoen (Nigeria) – 2005-2007; 2010; 2022
Berti Vogts (Germany) – 2007-2008
Lars Lagerbäck (Sweden) – 2010
Samson Siasia (Nigeria) – 2010-2011; 2016
Stephen Keshi (Nigeria) – 2011-2014; 2015
Sunday Oliseh (Nigeria) – 2015-2016
Gernot Rohr (Germany) – 2016-2021
José Peseiro (Portugal) – 2022-2
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Finidi George (Nigeria) – 2024
Éric Sékou Chelle (France) – 2025-?