January 12, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Football Federation’s announcement of Eric Chelle as Super Eagles coach on January 7, 2025, brought mixed reactions from fans and experts alike. The former Malian coach steps into one of African football’s most demanding roles at a time when the national football team needs strong leadership to revive its World Cup qualifying campaign.
The background to Chelle’s appointment reveals a challenging recruitment process. The NFF experienced several setbacks in their search for a permanent coach, including failed negotiations with high-profile candidates like Herve Renard, Antonio Conceição, and Laurent Blanc. The situation reached a low point when the federation had to withdraw their announcement of Bruno Labbadia’s appointment due to contractual issues.
I am of the opinion that Chelle’s managerial record raises serious questions about his capacity to deliver. His time at US Boulogne ended poorly, with just three points from ten games. Even with Mali, despite reaching the 2023 AFCON quarter-finals, his tenure concluded after failing to win a crucial World Cup qualifier against Madagascar. These results hardly inspire confidence for a nation of Nigeria’s football stature.
The Super Eagles’ current predicament demands immediate improvement. They trail Rwanda, South Africa and Benin by four points and Lesotho by a single point in World Cup qualifying Group C, where they sit in 5th place with just three points from four matches. This situation requires experienced and first-class leadership, making Chelle’s appointment particularly risky, in my view. His limited top-level management experience might prove costly in the upcoming crucial matches.
Critics rightfully point out his tactical limitations. Mali’s performances under Chelle often appeared overly defensive and struggled to score goals. This approach contradicts Nigeria’s traditional attacking style and could alienate both players and fans who expect entertaining football.
His lower-profile status might also create problems in managing Nigeria’s star players. A couple of Super Eagles’ players compete at high levels in Europe, and commanding their respect could prove challenging for a coach whose career peaked in French lower divisions. The risk of dressing room discord also cannot be ignored.
However, there are potential positives. Born to a French father and Malian mother, Chelle brings a unique perspective combining European tactical knowledge with African football understanding. His background might help bridge cultural gaps within the team while maintaining professional standards learned in France.
His focus on defensive organisation could address Nigeria’s recent vulnerability at the back. The Super Eagles have conceded costly goals in important matches, and Chelle’s emphasis on discipline might bring needed stability. His experience developing young players in France could also benefit Nigeria’s emerging talents.
Time pressures add another layer of complexity. With crucial qualifiers approaching in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Chelle must quickly implement his ideas. The limited preparation period leaves little room for experimentation or gradual adaptation. His experience in African football provides some reassurance. Having managed Mali in continental competitions, I think he understands the unique challenges of African international football. This knowledge could prove valuable in managing the qualification campaign, though the pressure for Nigeria far exceeds what he faced with Mali.
Chelle’s choice represents a significant gamble by the NFF. While he offers fresh ideas and potential long-term benefits, his lack of top-level experience makes him a risky pick for a team needing immediate results. The federation’s decision appears driven more by circumstance than conviction.
Management of expectations will be crucial. Nigerian football fans demand excellence, and expectedly, Chelle’s appointment has not generated enthusiasm. His success thus depends not only on results but also on his ability to change perceptions through improved performances and clear tactical direction.
The reality facing both Chelle and Nigerian football is stark. The Super Eagles require rapid improvement to maintain their World Cup qualification hopes. They will have to compulsorily win all remaining qualifiers and hope results in other fixtures go in their favour. Chelle must prove his critics wrong while working within significant constraints. His appointment might represent a new direction for Nigerian football, but whether this change leads to progress or further decline remains uncertain.
This period will define both Chelle’s coaching career and the NFF’s decision-making. Without swift improvement, pressure will mount quickly. Yet if he succeeds in qualifying for the World Cup, it could mark the beginning of a positive transformation in Nigerian football. The margins between success and failure have rarely been finer for a Super Eagles coach.
