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Chelle at the unveiling event
Éric Chelle, the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, says football is about scoring and he will introduce an attacking mentality to the senior men’s football national team.
Chelle made the remarks during his official unveiling at a colourful ceremony inside the Media Conference Room of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Monday.
Chelle, won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a playing career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais.
He told newsmen that he was excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football names.
“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity.
“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.
“I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he said.
Ibrahim Gusau, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reiterated his call for Nigerians to come together and support the gaffer, while promising that the football-ruling body will give Chelle all the support to succeed in his assignment.
Gusau said he was endeared by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days.
He said he was banking on him to galvanise the Super Eagles with the same go-go attitude to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
“I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level.
“He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself.
“Coach Chelle recognises and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way,” he said.
The NFF boss disclosed that the tactician had signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year, if he qualifies the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
He also said that Chelle had also come into the job with three assistants, and will work with the crew on ground to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand.
He added that the new gaffer would in the meantime join the Super Eagles B team in Ikenne as they prepare for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), and would play only a supervisory role.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF.
“Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy.
“On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job.
“The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, as the Government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF.
“The NFF is saddled with that responsibility; the Government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job,” he said.
At the occasion were Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Grassroots Sports Development and Sharif Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical & Development Committee.
Others were; Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary; Emmanuel Ikpeme, NFF Deputy General Secretary; Augustine Eguavoen, Technical Director; NFF Congressmen Paul Edeh and Hassan Wada.(NAN)
