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AFCON 2025
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From Eric Chelle leading Nigeria to Kwesi Appiah guiding Sudan, here are six African football legends who now coach rival nations in a twist of continental football fate.
In the world of African football, it’s not uncommon to see legends of the game transition from playing to coaching, often leading national teams, even those of rival countries.
This twist of fate adds a captivating layer of rivalry and storylines to the continent’s football tournaments.
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11:06 - 13.08.2025
Eric Chelle will likely be without one of Nigeria’s best players when the Super Eagles take on South Africa in an all-important clash.
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07:40 - 13.08.2025
Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah has aimed a dig at Nigeria’s technical bench after their 4-0 thrashing at CHAN 2024, insisting the team’s talent is fine but needs better coaching.
From Eric Chelle guiding Nigeria to Kwesi Appiah at the helm of Sudan, several celebrated African football icons are now shaping the destinies of teams that are not their own birth nations, creating fascinating football dynamics across Africa.
Here are six African football legends who have embraced the challenge of coaching rival national teams, especially at the CHAN 2024.
1. Kwesi Appiah (Ghana) – Coach of Sudan
Known for his successful playing and coaching career in Ghana, Kwesi Appiah is now the driving force behind Sudan’s national team.
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His leadership was highlighted when Sudan stunned Nigeria with a 4-0 victory at CHAN 2024, demonstrating his tactical acumen and team-building skills.
2. Benni McCarthy (South Africa) – Coach of Kenya
South African goal-scoring legend Benni McCarthy now helms Kenya’s national team, bringing his deep football knowledge and experience to a neighboring East African rival.
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McCarthy’s tenure is closely watched as he works to elevate Kenyan football, especially following their stunning Jose Mourinho-inspired win against Morocco as reported by CAFonline.
3. Eric Chelle (Mali) – Coach of Nigeria
Eric Chelle, a former Mali international, is steering the Nigerian Super Eagles, a role that has sparked much debate after a shaky start with the Eagles and the latest loss to Sudan in CHAN.
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His approach combines meticulous player scouting and tactical planning as he seeks to revive Nigeria’s footballing fortunes amidst intense pressure and passionate scrutiny.
4. Aliou Cisse (Senegal) – Coach of Libya
Senegal’s celebrated captain and coach Aliou Cissé, who led the Lions of Teranga to their first AFCON title, has taken on the challenge of coaching Libya.
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His transition from a national icon in Senegal to a tactical leader in a rival North African nation underlines the cross-border nature of African football coaching.
5. Rigobert Song (Cameroon) – Coach of Central African Republic
Cameroon’s legendary defender Rigobert Song has taken up the mantle as head coach of the Central African Republic.
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His vast experience as a player at top international tournaments is being channeled into developing football talent in the Central African nation.
6. Ezzaki Badou (Morocco) – Coach of Niger
Moroccan goalkeeping legend Ezzaki “Zaki” Badou now leads Niger’s national team.
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His decades of football expertise are aimed at bringing discipline and tactical improvements to Niger, highlighting the spread of Moroccan football influence in West Africa.
These six coaches embody the interconnectedness and evolving rivalries in African football, where legends of the past now craft the future of nations beyond their own.
Their journeys emphasise the continental nature of football leadership, uniting African nations through the shared love and challenges of the beautiful game.