Eric Chelle Speaks On His Vision As Super Eagles Coach, Dreams Of World Cup Ticket

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has conveyed his ambitious vision to elevate Nigeria to the forefront of global football, with the immediate goal of securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Eric Chelle was officially unveiled at a ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Monday, January 13, following his announcement as the 37th coach of the Super Eagles.

Chelle has been given a two-year contract that includes an option for extension, contingent on the team successfully qualifying for the upcoming World Cup to be held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has emphasized the significance of this goal, particularly considering the current challenges faced by the team during the qualification process.

As of now, Nigeria ranks fifth in Group C, accumulating only three points from three draws and one loss after four matches. To qualify for the World Cup, the Super Eagles must secure victories in all six remaining matches while also hoping for favourable outcomes in other games—a challenge that Chelle acknowledged during his unveiling.

When asked about taking responsibility at the end of the qualification campaign, Chelle highlighted the importance of embracing challenges and making sacrifices as a coach.

He said, “To be a great coach, one must be willing to take risks and make sacrifices. I am determined to make my mark in history. My first step will be to connect with the players and foster a supportive environment. I hope that we will qualify for the World Cup.”

Chelle expressed gratitude to his agent, the NFF, the National Sports Commission, and all Nigerians for the opportunity to coach the Super Eagles. He described this role as an incredible honour that he does not take lightly.

He emphasized his intention to implement a goal-oriented, attacking style of play, aligning with the expectations of Nigerian fans. “Football revolves around scoring goals, and I am ready to work diligently with my assistants to achieve our ambition of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup”, he declared.

The 47-year-old former Mali international reflected on his long-standing admiration for the Super Eagles, revealing that supporting the team has been a lifelong passion. “Nigeria’s team transcends mere athletics for me. Growing up, they were my favourite team; I watched every World Cup game and even wore their jersey,” he said.

With a clear goal in sight—to restore the Super Eagles to their rightful place in global football—Chelle emphasized that achieving this will require hard work, discipline, and a well-structured strategy. “I will leverage the exceptional talents of our players, both domestically and abroad, to build a cohesive and formidable team that embodies the unity, strength, and excellence of Nigeria,” he added via a social media post.