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FCL
AFCON 2025
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Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has delivered a fiery response to rumours linking him with a return to the Mali national team.
Following Nigeria’s bronze medal success at AFCON 2025, Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle found himself at the centre of a tense exchange during a post-match press conference.
When asked by a journalist if he would consider returning to manage his home country, Mali, Chelle gave a blunt and emotional refusal that has sent shockwaves through West African football.
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07:56 - 18.01.2026
'A bad game doesn't make you a bad player' – Nwabali sends powerful message after penalty heroics
Stanley Nwabali delivered words of wisdom along with penalty heroics after inspiring Nigeria's Super Eagles to bronze medal glory against Egypt at AFCON 2025.
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14:38 - 16.01.2026
‘Keep the coach’ - Super Eagles captain Ndidi tells NFF to prioritise continuity
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has publicly backed under-fire coach Eric Chelle to remain in charge of Nigeria, urging the Nigeria Football Federation to keep faith with the Malian tactician despite the team's semifinal exit at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
The 48-year-old tactician, who has transformed the Super Eagles' defensive discipline since taking over, made it clear that the wounds from his previous stint as Mali’s head coach have not yet healed.
"I don't want to talk about the future," Chelle said, visibly frustrated when who he described as a ‘random journalist’ suggested he could go back to the Malian dugout.
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His response was a mix of national pride and deep personal hurt.
“I can tell you something, Mali is my country, it’s the country of my mother,” Chelle began, acknowledging his roots. “And I was humiliated after the game in front of the world.”
Chelle was referring to his controversial sacking by the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) in 2024, which occurred shortly after a tense match and was handled in a manner that many felt lacked professional respect.
“So, actually I am the coach of Nigeria,” Chelle stated firmly. “I don’t want to talk about the future.”
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Total commitment to Nigeria
Chelle’s comments are a massive boost for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles fans.
Despite the heartbreak of losing the semifinal, Chelle has led Nigeria to a podium finish and successfully integrated new stars like Igoh Ogbu and Akor Adams into a winning system.
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By publicly reaffirming his position, Chelle has silenced speculation that he might jump ship despite speculations around his position as Super Eagles coach.
His loyalty to the Nigerian badge seems strengthened by the support he has received from the Nigerian public, a sharp contrast to the humiliation he felt in his previous role.
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What this means for the Super Eagles
With the AFCON cycle over, Chelle’s Nigeria first stance allows the team to transition into the next phase with stability.
The players, including stars like Stanley Nwabali and Wilfred Ndidi, have frequently praised Chelle’s tactical clarity and man-management.
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For now, the Mali chapter is closed for Chelle, who has hinted already he wants to stay with Nigeria and inject fresh faces into the team.
He isn't just a coach in Nigeria; he is a man on a mission to prove his doubters wrong on the biggest stage of all.