This is shameful - Mixed reactions trail Eric Chelle's appointment as new Super Eagles coach

Hassan Abdulsalam 12:26 - 08 January 2025

Following the coach's announcement, reactions from Nigerian fans varied, with some deeming the appointment shameless while others believed he could lead Nigeria to success.

The appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles has been met with a mixed reception, with some fans and pundits expressing concern while others offer cautious optimism.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed the Malian to lead the Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

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Eric Chelle as Mali head coach || Image credit: Imago

The 47-year-old managed Mali for two years, during which he led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The big task for Eric Chelle

The first test for Chelle is to win the games in March which is the World Cup qualifiers where the Super Eagles are in a difficult position in Group C, with just three points from their first four matches, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, who each have seven points.

Eric Chelle was left shocked following Mali's late defeat to Ivory Coast.

Mixed reactions trail Eric Chelle's appointment as new Super Eagles coach

Following the coach's announcement, reactions from Nigerian fans varied, with some deeming the appointment shameless while others believed he could lead Nigeria to success.

Here are some of the reactions:

It’s obvious, whoever is running super eagles doesn’t want Nigeria team in next World Cup. Shame!
— Elvis Osas Odese (@elvisodese51) January 7, 2025

Congratulations to Sekou Eric Chelle for being the first non-Nigerian African to be given the reign as manager or coach of the @NGSuperEagles by @thenff.
He would fail and fail woefully, not because I am against him or the Eagles, he would fail because the chaos he is walking... pic.twitter.com/OChxjEikWJ
— Edafe Matthew EseOghene. CEO ELEGBETE TV & RADIO (@ELEGBETE1SPORTS) January 8, 2025

When this photo of then Mali coach Eric Sekou Chelle was trending during #Afcon2023 , I’m not sure any Nigerian would have thought he’ll be the next Super Eagles coach.

Wish him success as he tries to qualify us for the 2026 World and win #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/hhrl51pPl2
— Chuma Nnoli (@ChumaNnoli) January 7, 2025

Wahala ti wà Chelle bayii.
— Tunde O. ®️ MBA LSSGB 🇳🇬 (@tundejames) January 7, 2025

“Eric Chelle is hated by the media already”

Please count me out.
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) January 8, 2025

I thought it was an obituary poster at first.
Please pay a good graphic designer next time

Peace ✌️
— T.A PROPHET (@taprophet_io) January 8, 2025

This is our level. Éric Chelle is our level.

I love to face reality about our football.

Once again, this is our LEVEL.

We need to support the new coach. pic.twitter.com/LTpuI3nfKp
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) January 7, 2025

Eric Chelle has been fired more times than he's won a trophy.

He's only ever managed clubs in the lower leagues in France. He then went to coach Mali.

He's a French speaking manager coming to coach an English speaking nation. pic.twitter.com/9fnp9J9LQU
— Mr. Nigerian Football (@AJSilverCFC) January 7, 2025

For the calibre of the present super eagles players, I dont think this man is the right choice! Of all the options available out there, this is our best?
— ‘tEMItAYo (@seanelhadji) January 7, 2025