My Focus Is World Cup Qualification – Eric Chelle

Eric Sekou Chelle, the new head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, says his immediate focus for now is to salvage the team’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and ensure that the team qualify for the Mundial in USA, Canada and Mexico.

Recognizing how importance and desirous Nigerians are to see their national team return to the FIFA World Cup after missing the last edition in Qatar,

Chelle, who spoke to LEADERSHIP Sports exclusively on Monday in Abuja, said he intends to meet with key four or five players of the Super Eagles and sell his project idea on how he intends to execute the team’s World Cup qualifying remaining matches to enhance their performance.

“I want to say thank you for everything. Now I want to focus on the pitch, the team and want to work now on the next team (Rwanda) against us in the World Cup qualifiers . I want to go and see maybe four or five players of the team, to talk with them and after that I would put in place my game project quickly. Afterwards, I will go to see the CHAN team and start work immediately for the World Cup qualifiers,” Chelle said.

He expressed his commitment to addressing the midfield issues that have plagued the Nigerian national team years after the exit of mesmerizing Austine Jay Jay Okocha, saying he aims to implement strategies that will enhance the team’s performance in this critical area.

Chelle, who led his country and former team, Aiglons of Mali Malian, to beat the then Super Eagles under Finidi George 2-0 in Marrakech in an international friendly, when asked to evaluate his former team and the current team, said: “In the midfield, there are some good players in the Mali national team, while in the Nigeria’s national team there are great forwards and good players where in the Nigeria’s national team, and in both teams. But for now, I am focusing on my team and Nigeria is my team now. The last team is last and the new team is the team now.”

Chelle, who won five caps for Mali in a playing career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais, while speaking earlier at his unveiling, said he is 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 assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Now, fans and analyst alikes will be watching closely to see how Chelle’s plans unfold and whether he can successfully salvage Super Eagles slim chances and qualify the team for the World Cup. His ability to adapt to different opponents and situations will be crucial as the Super Eagles prepare for the remaining six matches in their world cup qualifying group.