The newly appointed coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle revealed his knowledge of Nigerian football yesterday during his unveiling ceremony by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Chelle will be in charge of the team for the world cup qualifiers in March, replacing Austine Eguavoen who held the role in temporary capacity in the qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON. Eguavoen is now back in his role as technical director.
Yesterday Chelle officially signed his contract, and the president of the NFF Ibrahim Musa Gusau said it’s a two year deal with the option of another year, if he qualifies the team for the 2026 World Cup.
Asked about his knowledge of Nigerian football, the 47 year old responded by saying he has always been a fan, and listed past and present players of the team who are his favorite.
“From Christian Chukwu, Victor Ikpeba, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amunike, Augustine Eguavoen, George Finidi, Taribo West, John Obi Mikel, Sunday Oliseh—oh, I almost forgot Tijani Babangida—I was a fan,” Chelle said. “And this new generation now includes Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and others.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
