The appointment of Eric Chelle as the head coach of the Super Eagles has sparked a mix of cautious optimism and outright skepticism among millions of Nigerian football fans.
Now, as the qualification race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes this week, Chelle faces the daunting task of reigniting Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the global football stage—an ambition made even more urgent following the heartbreak of missing the 2022 edition.
Once a formidable force in African football, the Super Eagles now find themselves grappling with inconsistency. The stakes have never been higher for Chelle.
Can he rise to the occasion and restore Nigeria’s dominance, or will the weight of expectations prove too much?
A Tough Qualification Path
Securing a World Cup ticket has never been easy for Nigeria, but this campaign has been particularly challenging.
Once the pride of African football, the Super Eagles’ performances in recent years have left many wondering whether the golden era is truly behind them.
Grouped alongside South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Benin Republic, Nigeria was initially favored to cruise through qualification.
However, after four matches, the 2013 AFCON champions have managed just three points—four adrift of Group C leaders Rwanda, who they face in Kigali on Friday.
The Chelle Surprise
Chelle’s appointment caught many by surprise. The 47-year-old, born in Ivory Coast, was dismissed by Mali following a shaky start to their own World Cup qualifying campaign.
While he has coached clubs across Africa, he now holds the distinction of being the first non-Nigerian African to manage the Super Eagles.
Though relatively unknown to many Nigerian fans, Chelle gained recognition after a viral video showed him drenched in water following Mali’s gut-wrenching 2-1 loss to nine-man Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON quarter-finals.
Now, just two months into his tenure, Chelle will take charge of the Super Eagles for the first time against Rwanda.
He steps into an environment where expectations are high, patience is thin, and every decision is scrutinised.
A Nation’s Footballing Pride at Stake
Failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup was a bitter pill for Nigerians to swallow. Missing out on back-to-back editions would be an even greater dent to the country’s footballing prestige.
Despite the pressure, Chelle brings valuable experience, having coached MC Oran of Algeria and led Mali through 21 matches, securing 13 wins, five draws, and only three losses.
Known for his attacking philosophy, he was praised for his work with Mali’s national team during AFCON 2023.
His predecessor, Jose Peseiro, was often criticised for sacrificing Nigeria’s trademark attacking football in favor of defensive solidity.
But Chelle has promised a shift in approach.
“I love scoring goals. My teams are never lacking in goals, and the Super Eagles will be no exception—we will score goals,” he confidently stated during his unveiling in January.
Firepower to Deliver Goals
With an attacking lineup boasting Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman—the reigning and previous African Players of the Year—Chelle has the tools to build an explosive offensive unit.
For the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, he has named a 23-man squad featuring a mix of established stars and fresh talent.
Yet, beyond tactics, his ability to manage Nigeria’s star-studded squad will be crucial.
The Super Eagles are Africa’s second most valuable team and rank 16th globally, with a market worth of €371.10m as of March 2025. Such status comes with challenges, including handling high-profile personalities.
The recent fallout between Osimhen and former interim coach Finidi George underscores the importance of strong man-management skills.
Stability Amid Uncertainty
Since the start of the qualification campaign, Nigeria has been led by two different coaches—Jose Peseiro and Finidi George—each managing two matches.
This managerial instability has hindered team cohesion, and Chelle’s primary task will be to unify the squad and instill a clear playing philosophy.
With only a short window to train and integrate new faces, Chelle must blend experience with fresh energy while ensuring Nigeria’s attack regains its potency.
But can the Malian tactician restore the Super Eagles’ attacking identity, manage egos, foster unity, and steer Nigeria back to the World Cup? The answer begins to unfold in Kigali this Friday.
