Chelle: My Philosophy is Rooted in Attacking Football 

*Signs two-year contract as Super Eagles coach * To kickoff with CHAN

Olawale Ajimotokan  in Abuja 

Eric Sekou Chelle has unveiled his philosophy for the Super Eagles, by declaring he is in Nigeria to play an attacking brand of football.

The Franco-Malian asserted this yesterday at his presentation as the Super Eagles Coach at a brief ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abiola.

“This is an amazing job for me and I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.

“I love attacking football, that is my philosophy. Football is about scoring goals. I want to play attacking football and we will see a lot of that. Scoring goals is a state of mind and you need to be aggressive.

“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,” the former coach of Mali pledged. 

Chelle, who won five caps for the Eagles of Mali in a playing career that also saw him starring  for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais, described the Super Eagles job as one of Africa’s biggest football names.

He also applauded Nigeria for the impressive football history and for producing accomplished players in the mould of Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amuneke, Sunday Oliseh Taribo West , Rashidi Yekini, Mikel Obi, Tijani Babangida and Austin Jay Jay Okocha. 

“When I was growing up, this was my favourite team. I want to be the best. I need to talk to the players. We need to work harder and play high-pressure football. The time is not the best friend of every coach but if you take the risk you need to take responsibility,” he stated.

President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Gusau, clarified that Chelle was offered a two-year contract, with the option of another year, if he leads the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Gusau also declared he was satisfied with the process that led to Chelle’s recruitment by the federation.

He stressed that the coach will bring three assistants and work with the local crew on ground to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand .

Beginning from today, he will also join the Super Eagles B – in Sagamu that is preparing for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship – only in a supervisory role.    

Gusau assured Nigerians that Chelle was the right fit for the task, saying: “Eric is here to work and is here to give us the World Cup ticket”.

He also assured stakeholders that the federation was ready to work with Chelle and give him all the support to achieve what he wants to achieve with Nigerian football

“The only thing I want is for all of us, football stakeholders in Nigeria, let us run around Eric and give him all the support he needs. I know we at the Nigerian Football Federation as well as the National Sports Commission, we are ready to give him all that is required and needed for him to execute his job. This is a new opportunity and I know we are going to get a great result,” Gusau said.