€š¬…¡¬°ric Chelle Vows to Bring Attacking Flair to Super Eagles


Abuja: €š¬…¡¬°ric Chelle, the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, has announced his intention to introduce an attacking style of play to Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team. Football, according to Chelle, is fundamentally about scoring goals, and he is determined to bring this mentality to the Super Eagles.



According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chelle made these remarks during his official unveiling at a vibrant ceremony held in the Media Conference Room of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Chelle, who earned five caps with the Aiglons of Mali during his playing career, has also played for clubs such as FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. He expressed his excitement about coaching one of Africa’s most prestigious football teams and thanked his agent, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), and Nigerians for the opportunity.



Chelle emphasized his commitment to the role, stating, “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. Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style.” He also expressed confidence in working towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.



Ibrahim Gusau, President of the NFF, called for national support for Chelle and promised full backing from the football body to ensure his success. Gusau praised Chelle’s confidence and vision, stating that he expects him to inspire the Super Eagles with a dynamic approach in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.



Gusau added that Chelle had signed a two-year contract, with the possibility of extension if he leads the team to the World Cup finals. Chelle will also collaborate with three assistants and existing staff to enhance the team’s performance. In the interim, Chelle will join the Super Eagles B team in Ikenne for the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), assuming a supervisory role.



Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, affirmed the body’s support for Chelle and expressed satisfaction with the recruitment process carried out by the NFF. He emphasized that football is a unifying element for Nigerians and assured that the government would provide resources to support Chelle’s mission, while leaving the NFF in charge of football operations.



The ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Grassroots Sports Development, and Sharif Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, among others.