Eric Chelle, an Ivory Coast-born coach has accepted the offer of the permanent manager of the Super Eagles with open arms.
Trust Nigerians, congratulations are in order for the newly appointed coach, however, it is clouded with high hopes and expectations.
Indeed, football lovers in Nigeria have expressed excitement over the appointment.
To many, the move, which to them is a good one, signals the beginning of a new era, not just for the team, but the country in general.
Of course, the popular saying “to whom much is given, much is expected,” cannot be far from true.
Now, Chelle who is expected to resume work with “immediate effect” according to a statement from the NFF media team on Tuesday, January 7, has the responsibility to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
You may be wondering, who is Eric Chelle?
Well, you are not alone on this table, there are many others seeking answers.
Below are the top ten things you need to know about new Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle:
1. Birthplace: Eric Chelle was born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother.
2. International Representation: He has represented Mali on the international stage, earning six caps between 2003 and 2006.
3. Professional Playing Career: Chelle dedicated his entire playing career to clubs in France, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
4. Coaching Experience: the 47-year-old coach led Mali national team to a semi-final finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in 2024. He has coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
5. Coaching Style: Eric Chelle is known for promoting an exciting, free-flowing style of football, often utilizing a 4-4-2 formation.
6. UEFA Pro License: Chelle has a UEFA Pro coaching license.
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7. Mali Tenure: Chelle achieved notable success in his two-year stint with Mali, recording 14 wins, 5 draws, and just 3 losses across 22 matches. Under his reign, Mali secured ten clean sheets.
8. Competitive Selection: Chelle emerged as a preferred choice for the Mali coaching position, surpassing well-known candidates like Gernot Rohr.
9. Coaching Philosophy: He subscribes to the belief that “attack is the best form of defense”.
10. Mali Sacked Eric Chelle in June 2024 after leading the country to a goalless draw against 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier.
