Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that he didn’t take the Nigerian national team job for financial gain. In a recent interview with UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Chelle stated that he was earning more in his previous job, but he chose to join the Super Eagles because of the team’s size and the challenge it presents. “When I came to Nigeria, I didn’t come here because of money. I was earning more in my last job. I came to Nigeria because this is a very big team and I want to prove something, to achieve something. I came here for the challenge,” Chelle said.
Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles coach in January, terminating his two-year contract at Algerian club MC Oran. Despite earning a reported $50,000 per month, Chelle’s decision to join the Super Eagles was driven by his desire to succeed with a big team. The Franco-Malian coach has had a mixed start to his tenure, with the team being knocked out in the group stage of the 2024 CHAN tournament. However, Chelle remains focused on his task, knowing that his job is under scrutiny.
There have been rumors about Chelle’s potential sacking, with some questioning his appointment due to his nationality and limited international success. However, Chelle is aware of the speculation and has responded by stating that he can be fired after one match, but the NFF would need to pay up the remainder of his contract. “I know, quite well, that I can be fired after one match. This is life in football. But if they decide to do that, they must be prepared to pay up the remainder of my contract,” Chelle said.
Chelle’s next challenge will be guiding Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup, with the team facing Rwanda in Uyo and South Africa in Bloemfontein in September. The qualifying series will end in October, followed by the 2025 AFCON in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026. Despite the challenges ahead, Chelle is determined to succeed with the Super Eagles and prove his doubters wrong.
Eric Chelle’s appointment as Super Eagles coach has been met with mixed reactions, but he remains focused on his task. With his sights set on the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 AFCON, Chelle is determined to succeed with the team and prove that he was the right choice for the job. Only time will tell if Chelle can achieve his goals and bring success to Nigerian football.
