The new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle has vowed to introduce an attacking mentality to the senior men’s football national team, saying football is about scoring.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Chelle made the remarks during his official unveiling at a 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 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he said.
The President, Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau 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, adding that he was banking on him to galvanise the Super Eagles with the same 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 for 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 the 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, and would play only a supervisory role.
The Chairman, National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to Chelle’s recruitment by the NFF.
NAN reports that also present at the occasion were the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adeboye; the Chairman, NFF Technical and Development Committee, Sharif Inuwa; the NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi; Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, among others.
NAN