Things to know about Eric Chelle: The Malian has been appointed as the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, news confirmed by the country’s football federation on the eve of Tuesday.
The announcement brings an inevitable end to a prolonged search for Jose Peseiro’s successor since the Portuguese decided to call quit his association with the nation in March last year.
Although there was the stint under Finidi George, but there was never the assurance that the now Rivers United manager can sustain the position on a long-term.
Also, it brings an end to the interim reign of Austin Eguavoen, who had been the team’s handler since George was shown the exit door following a 2-1 loss to Benin in June.
Under Eguavoen, the three-time African champions won two of five games, and sealed progress to the next African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco 2025 as the winner of Group D of the qualifiers.
Back to the new sheriff in Eric Chelle, who comes in with a diverse background as both a player and manager, just as Finidi George and Austin Eguavoen.
We take a look at five things to know about the tactician, who was fired from his last job by his own country.
5 things to know about Eric Chelle
1. First Non-Nigerian African to Coach the Super Eagles
Coming first in the list of things to know about Eric Chelle is the groundbreaking information that he is the first-ever non-Nigerian African coach to lead the Super Eagles.
This is an important milestone in the history of Nigerian football, one that signifies a shift in approach to football management, because the country has traditionally relied on either local coaches or European expatriates for its national team.
Chelle, also a former Malian international, brings a unique perspective to the role, combining his African roots with extensive experience in European football.
Chelle’s Pan-African identity may allow him to resonate with players from diverse backgrounds, giving more opportunities to home based players, while inspiring trust and unity within the squad.
2. A Defender in His Playing Days
Eric Chelle was a commanding defender during his time as a professional, much of which he spent playing in France’s lower divisions.
He was renowned for his composure, aerial ability, and leadership, which made him excelled as a player, and has so far played a crucial role in his time so far in football management.
Chelle played for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, and RC Lens, amassing over 375 appearances across all competitions.
His time at Valenciennes stands out, where he was pivotal in the team’s promotion to Ligue 1 for the 2006-07 campaign, after helping them to the Ligue 2 title the previous season.
His influential traits made him a reliable figure on the pitch and a natural leader, and so far in management, he has employed them to great effects.
3. Holds Dual Nationality
Although Eric Chelle is Malian and represented the country as a professional, he spent his whole career in France, a country of which he holds nationality.
Born to a French father and Malian mother, Chelle chose to represent Mali internationally and between 2004 and 2006, he earned five caps for the national team.
It appears the NFF has a thing for managers with dual nationality as it shares history with the likes, in Gernot Rohr, Velibor Milutinovic, Philippe Troussier, and het first-ever coach in 1912, Moshe Beit haLevi.
4. Impressive Record with Malian National Team
Eric Chelle’s reign as the head coach of Malian national team was marked by notable success. Appointed in May 2022, he transformed the team into a competitive force.
During his time in charge, Mali played 22 matches, achieving an impressive record of 14 wins, 5 draws, and only 3 losses. Scored 36 goals and conceded just 12.
Mali, under Chelle’s watch, comfortably secured their place in the AFCON 2023 tournament, finished as group winner ahead of South Africa, and progressed to the quarterfinals, where they unfortunately lost out to eventual champion, Ivory Coast.
5. Eric Chelle’s Iconic AFCON 2023 Moment
In one of the most memorable moments in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Eric Chelle emotional response to Mali’s quarter-final loss was one of the most striking moments of the tournament.
The 47-year-old was seen squatting on the sideline, hyperventilating. His assistants rushed to revive him with bottles of water, creating an iconic image.
Chelle’s appointment marks a new chapter for Nigerian football, although this move has been criticized by fans and pundits in the country as soon as the announcement was made, it does give him more cause to succeed on the job.
Chelle will get his reign underway in March, when the Super Eagles resume their quest for a place in the next FIFA World Cup, with the intentions of reviving a fleeing chance.
With the Super Eagles, Chelle has more talents at his disposal compared to the ones he worked with at Mali, though, the job has been unsettled in recent years, with three managers taking charge in 2024, it will be challenging.
The expectation was a foreign manager and the appointment of Eric Chelle highlights the endless struggles of the NFF, but reason a conclusion very early in the year shows a proactive approach, and a reason to be optimistic for the year.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
