AFCON 2025
New Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says he plays attacking football and his Super Eagles team won’t be different.
The 47-year-old coach said this among other things at his official unveiling ceremony on Monday in Abuja.
Eric Chelle was presented to the fans, media and other stakeholders as his reign kicks-off as the 39th manager of the Super Eagles.
Eric Chelle shared his thoughts on what fans should expect and what he intends to so as coach of the three-time African Champions.
Below are three key things Eric Chelle said at the press conference.
1. Better Management Structures and Effective Technique
Eric Chelle says his team will have proper game management structure and an effective technique. He also added that his team will be aggressive on and off the ball.
The Super Eagles in recent times have struggled to manage games properly especially when they take the lead.
The last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda comes to mind. The Super Eagles gave up their 1-0 lead and lost 2-1.
Chelle hopes to correct this among other off the pitch lapses to help his course.
“We need to establish better management structures and adopt effective techniques. We must be aggressive and focused.”
2. Attacking Football
In addition to having a proper game management structure, Eric Chelle has also promised to play attacking football. He says he loves goals, and his Super Eagles team will play to that effect.
“I love attacking football, this is my philosophy. Football is about scoring goals.”
3. Fan of the Super Eagles since 1998
Eric Chelle revealed that he has been a Super Eagles fan for long and supported the team at the France 1998 FIFA World Cup. He added that he bought the jersey and watched all the games as the Super Eagles crashed out of the competition in the second round with a 4-1 loss to Denmark.
“When I was young, Nigeria was my favorite team. I bought the jersey and watched every game. During the World Cup in France, I was in Marseille watching the matches. This is team my team.”
Eric Chelle has the daunting task of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles are at a risk not qualifying for a consecutive FIFA World Cup after a poor start to the qualification series with three points after four matches.
The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda and Zimbabwe when the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes in March.
