Eric Sékou Chelle has led Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a 7-match unbeaten start since his January 2025 appointment. His leadership has steadily improved in the national team.
The Franco-Malian coach has amassed four wins and three draws in that run. He succeeded interim coaches after a rocky qualifying stretch. Before Chelle’s arrival, Nigeria had managed just two points from their earlier World Cup qualifying matches.
Under Chelle, the Super Eagles have revitalized their attack and overall gameplay. In a decisive 4–0 win over Benin Republic, Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick to seal a World Cup Playoff spot.
There have also been setbacks. At the African Nations Championship (CHAN), Nigeria exited at the group stage. Chelle blamed the poor performance on inadequate preparation. Still, he has insisted his ambition is not financial. He told reporters in August that he accepted the Super Eagles role not for pay, but for the challenge.
Chelle has explained his philosophy: he has built a “people-first” culture, stressing unity, discipline, and respect. He says the Super Eagles will carry the same mindset into whatever comes next, be it the remaining World Cup qualifiers or the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
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As Nigeria approaches crucial play-off matches, can Chelle sustain this momentum and deliver on his promise to win everything for a nation that demands no less?
