)
Eric Chelle has refute favoritism claims regarding his Super Eagles appointment.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has refuted speculation that he secured the Nigerian senior national team job through any form of personal connections.
)
Chelle was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to succeed Augustine Eguavoen, who had guided the Super Eagles through their successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on an interim basis.
What Chelle said
Speaking in an interview with CANAL+ SPORT Afrique, Chelle firmly stated that his appointment process was transparent and merit-based, involving a formal application like any other coach.
)
07:04 - 16.04.2025
'We are angry' - Udinese Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye sets sights on Top 10 finish
Super Eagles has revealed that his target with his club is to finish in the top 10 in Serie A
"When I left the Malian team, there was a call for applications from the NFF, from the Nigerian Federation and so I applied like any other coach and then interview came," Chelle explained.
He further detailed the process, emphasising the presentation of his footballing ideas.
PAY ATTENTION: Check out Bet Of The Day page - we provide expert tips
He continued, "I was invited to a coaches’ conference where I presented my project or my vision and philosophy. I thought it would happen much faster but due to some events, I had to wait, so I left. I left for Rouen, but then it’s true that I had this opportunity which I risk losing. So I returned. For this great project."
Chelle also highlighted the NFF's determination during the final stages of negotiations as a key factor in his decision to take the job.
"In the final moments of negotiation, you felt their determination and that made me come. We were in discussions since before then. It took a while, but then it accelerated. It was very very fast, maybe that’s why it made a big buzz there, but no no no once again I was aligned on what I wanted to do," he added.
Chelle secured four points in his first two games as Super Eagles coach, with a 2-0 win against Rwanda and a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in World Cup qualifiers.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![[WATCH] YNWA - Clay court specialist pays tribute to Liverpool after Premier League success](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/28042025/f09f4dfc-f19c-441d-9d6e-69693699b59e.jpeg?operations=fit(600:))
)
)