The Franco-Malian tactician, who is currently under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until January 2027, has attracted growing interest following his impressive outing with the Super Eagles.
Reports indicate that Chelle has already turned down an approach from Tunisia, preferring to remain focused on his current assignment with Nigeria for now.
Despite his existing deal, sources close to the situation have told BSNSports that both Angola and Gabon are keen on luring Chelle with lucrative offers as they look to strengthen their national teams ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Meanwhile, Chelle is expected to meet with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation in the coming days to discuss his future.
The talks are understood to be aimed at reaffirming commitment, clarifying long-term plans, and possibly reviewing contractual terms amid rising external interest.
The outcome of the meeting could prove decisive in determining whether Nigeria can retain the highly-rated coach or face a potential battle to keep him beyond the short term.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has declared his ambition to lead Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations title at the 2027 finals, following the team’s impressive third-place finish at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Chelle oversaw a highly encouraging tournament for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles earning widespread praise for their exciting, attack-minded football. The Super Eagles performance at the just concluded AFCON has led to the NFF confirming that Eric Chelle will be allowed to continue as Super Eagles coach. The three-time African champions ended the competition as the tournament’s top scorers, netting 14 goals, while also showing defensive solidity by not conceding from open play throughout the knockout stages.
Nigeria’s blend of intensity, creativity, and discipline under Chelle marked a significant turnaround and raised optimism about the team’s long-term prospects. The Malian tactician believes the foundation laid in Morocco can propel the Super Eagles to continental glory in two years’ time.
The AFCON 2027 finals will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and Chelle is already eyeing redemption on East African soil.
Reflecting on the Morocco campaign, Chelle admitted to mixed emotions but expressed pride in his players’ achievements.
“It’s pride. It’s a relief,” Chelle told Canal+ Sport Afrique. “I went to see my mom and dad and told them I was coming back with the AFCON trophy. Mom, Dad, sorry, I’m only coming back with third place, but that’s already exceptional for me.”
He also praised Morocco’s organisation of the tournament and highlighted the unity within his squad.
“It was extraordinary. And we’ll meet again in two years, and God willing, I’ll bring that trophy home,” he added.
With renewed belief and a clear vision, Chelle’s focus is firmly fixed on turning promise into silverware at AFCON 2027.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has expressed disappointment at failing to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy with Nigeria, despite ending the tournament on a positive note.
Nigeria secured third place after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the bronze medal match, following a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the standout performer during the shootout, saving penalties from Egyptian stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to swing the contest in Nigeria’s favour.
Ademola Lookman converted the decisive spot-kick, calmly sending the Egyptian goalkeeper the wrong way to seal victory for the Super Eagles.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Chelle praised the commitment and resilience shown by his players throughout the month-long tournament.
“I was so disappointed for my players because they gave everything during this AFCON, and at this moment, I’m very proud of them,” Chelle said.
“I’m very proud to be the coach of Nigeria. We gave everything for one month, and it’s so good right now because it wasn’t easy, but I’m very proud of them; they’ve earned my respect,” he added.
While celebrating the bronze medal finish, Chelle admitted that anything short of the AFCON title felt like unfinished business.
“I’m disappointed we couldn’t bring the trophy to Nigeria but hopefully, we will bring it in the next edition,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chelle has shut down the prospect of returning to his native Mali, delivering a fiery response to rumours linking him with a return to the Eagles of Mali.
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.
He added: “I can tell you something, Mali is my country, it’s the country of my mother. 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.”
In Rabat, under the bright lights of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the revered Super Eagles bowed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the semi-final stage, edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties after a pulsating 120 minutes. Yet in defeat, the story of Nigeria’s tournament was unmistakable: a team reborn, fearless in attack, disciplined in structure and united in belief. At the heart of this transformation stands Éric Sékou Chelle — understated, methodical and increasingly influential — a silent miracle worker whose impact now echoes across African football write MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN and TUNDE LIADI
Football history often celebrates the loudest voices, the most animated touchline generals but Eric Sékou Chelle is the opposite.
Calm, analytical and deeply intentional, the Franco-Malian has reshaped the Super Eagles not through noise but through clarity of purpose. Nigeria’s semi-final exit to Morocco on penalties on Wednesday night did little to diminish the widespread acclaim for a coach who, in less than a year, has restored identity and confidence to a once-uncertain national side.
Former Nigeria international and Super Eagles’ assistant coach to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan , Ben Duamlong, captured the reality of football’s unforgiving judgment:
“A coach is as good as his last result,” the Septuagenarian told NationSports before the Super Eagles’ dramatic penalty-shootout loss to Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON).“It could be as a result of his coaching abilities, a talented bunch of players, plain luck or whatever. Once the results are pouring in, the chorus is always ‘the boy is good’.”
Yet results, undeniably, have poured in under Chelle. Nigeria arrived at the AFCON semi-finals with a perfect winning record in regulation time, scoring freely and pressing relentlessly. The Super Eagles netted a tournament-high 14 goals while conceding just four — a remarkable balance between ambition and control.
For former Super Eagles midfielder Sani Kaita, the change was immediately visible.
“Obviously, the coach is doing a good job,” Kaita, a 2013 AFCON winner, told NationSport. “It’s clear to see we are back to playing attacking football in this tournament. Credit goes to the coach placing an idea and way of play, and of course to the players for executing brilliantly.”
Kaita’s tactical insight proved prophetic ahead of the Morocco clash: “I think the coach shouldn’t change our way of playing for Morocco. They won’t be naive; I believe they will respect us. The only thing I would like to advise is we need to be compact out of possession, as Moroccans are perfect at what they do.”
Morocco ultimately prevailed, tactically sharper on the night but Nigeria’s fearless approach never wavered — a hallmark of Chelle’s philosophy.
Indeed, coach Manu Garba, a two-time winner of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, highlighted Chelle’s greatest achievement: “Coach Eric Chelle has performed credibly well in the AFCON 2025.
“He has been able to get the players to play cohesively as a unit and guided the team to the semi-final with a 100% record of wins. The players have been committed, coordinated and motivated.
“So far, they are the best performing team in the tournament,” Garba added hours before the semi-final loss to Morocco.
That cohesion was evident even in heartbreak. Against Morocco, Nigeria defended with discipline, pressed intelligently, and trusted their collective strength — traits absent in recent years.
Former Super Eagles assistant coach Usman Abd’Allah offered a broader perspective about the enigmatic Chelle, adding the former Mali international must still retool the national team post AFCON 2025.
He volunteered: “Chelle has been doing very well with the team. He needs to be supported. We have a very young talent, and it points to what I suggested earlier — we must build a new team with emphasis on the next World Cup.”
Yet the vastly experience Abd’Allah who is currently attached with Beninese side, USCN Cavaliers, challenged Chelle on the way forward for the Super Eagles with a strong caveat.
“Winning the AFCON (or not) should not be the yardstick,” the erstwhile coach of Enyimba, Kano Pillars and Katsina United, told NationSports. “Rather, he should use it to build a team with the potential of doing better
“The Moroccans were tactically better; Nigeria’s strength lies in individual tactical abilities. A tactical team only comes with time together.”
In Abd’Allah’s view, patience is the missing ingredient — and Chelle deserves it.
From within the Nigerian camp, admiration for Chelle has become even stronger.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s leading scorer at the tournament, credited Chelle with unlocking the squad’s potential:
“We have the talent, but now we’ve got someone who knows when to unleash the beast in his squad,” the Galatasaray striker said. “We’re just doing our job, doing what the coach wants us to do and playing how he wants us to.”
A sentiment equally echoed by Fulham striker, Alex Iwobi, who praised the 48-year-old tactician for creating a team spirit which has taken the Super Eagles to enviable heights only two months after their dreams of qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in agonising loss to Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I feel like the difference is the sense of brotherhood, the family environment that we have created for each other,” Iwobi said on the eve of the semi-final fixture against Morocco. “Of course, at previous AFCONs we have done really well. The team was so strong, but at the same time, we were young, and we were learning about each other.
“I feel like right now everybody is entering their prime, everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy and the chemistry we have when playing for our country.
“It is not just on the pitch, also off the pitch, there is a big unity, we are a big family. It starts from the coach – he has brought that brotherhood.”
Such buy-ins from elite players underscores Chelle’s quiet authority as well as the uncommon ambiance he has created with the Super Eagles’ set up.
No wonder a number of other African countries have expressed the willingness to take Chelle on board following his miracle work with the Super Eagles. But former Nigeria international Jide Olugbodi has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to resist any temptation to lure Chelle away from Nigeria , adding brighter future awaits the Super Eagles under the watch of the Franco-Malian trainer.
“It’s important for the NFF to make sure Chelle remains in charge,” he said.“ From competent sources, there is interest in him from a number of African countries.
“ We’ve seen what he has done in less than a year, the future of the team is bright under him,” he added.
Indeed, Chelle’s record in the period under review speaks volumes : 11 wins in 17 matches, just one loss in regulation time and a Super Eagles side once again feared on the continent.
The penalty shootout loss to Morocco hurt, but it did not wound Nigeria’s pride. Instead, it confirmed something deeper: the Super Eagles have direction again.
Chelle may not shout from the sidelines, but his ideas resonate loudly on the pitch. In Rabat, even in defeat, the Silent Miracle Worker strengthened his case — not just as Nigeria’s present but as its future.
Even Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui was gracious in victory :“I congratulate the Nigerian team and Coach Eric Chelle for the great work they have done.”
ÉRIC SÉKOU CHELLE: THE SCORECARD
21 Mar 2025: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Kigali)
25 Mar 2025: Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
28 May 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana (Unity Cup: London)
31 May 2025: Jamaica 2-2 Nigeria (Unity Cup: London)
*Nigeria win 5-4 on penalties to retain the trophy
06 Jun 2025: Russia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Moscow)
06 Sep 2025: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
09 Sep 2025: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Bloemfontein)
10 Oct 2025: Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Polokwane)
14 Oct 2025: Nigeria 4-0 Bénin Republic (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
13 Nov 2025: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)
16 Nov 2025: DR Congo 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)
*DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties
16 Dec 2025: Egypt 2-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Cairo)
23 Dec 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
27 Dec 2025: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
30 Dec 2025: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
05 Jan 2026: Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
10 Jan 2026: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria (AFCON: Marrakech, Morocco)
14 Jan 2026: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (AFCON: Rabat, Morocco)
Franco-Malian coach reveals master plan to subdue Lions
Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Morocco’s Atlas Lions in the 2025 AFCON semi-final tonight in Rabat, a highly anticipated clash dubbed the “mother of all battles.” The winner progresses to the final even as three time African champions, Nigeria aim for fourth AFCON title.
Yet despite admitting Morocco as the “biggest test,” coach Eric Sekou Chelle remains calm and confidence, emphasizing the Super Eagles’ readiness after an impressive unbeaten run in the tournament, including a 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria.
“Algeria was a biggest test,” the 48-year-old said with his usual sceptical mien. “Morocco is a biggest test.”
Chelle who led his native Mali to a quarter-final finish at the 2023 AFCON where they lost 2-1 in extra-time to the hosts Cote d’Ivoire at the last tournament, compares every game to a cup final, reinforcing the team’s mind-set of giving their all in each match. He acknowledges the high expectations but insists the squad is mentally and physically prepared.
“Every game is a biggest test for this team because the expectation is very much,” Chelle volunteered. “We are ready for this game and we have played every game at this tournament as if it’s the last (cup final) and try to give everything.”
Yet Chelle has hinted at a potentially defensive game plan, relying on counterattacks and a “low block” defensive approach, aims to frustrate Morocco and exploit chances in the second half.
Besides Morocco’s overall threat, Chelle is particularly mindful of Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), who has five goals in five games. However, he will not solely concentrate on Diaz but prepare a broader defensive strategy.
“I feel that my squad is tired, so I may have to change my approach,” Chelle further said at his press conference. “We might let Morocco have the ball and wait for them.
“We have seen that they struggle when they come up against a low block. I think we will start like that. We will try to hold on in the first half and then play our game in the second half,” he added.
At Morocco 2025, the Super Eagles have already beaten two other North African giants in Tunisia and Algeria but Chelle stresses Morocco is different under coach Walid Regragui as such the fixture against the Atlas Lions will require different tactical approach.
“Algeria and Morocco are two good teams with good players, but Morocco doesn’t play like Algeria, and Walid Regragui isn’t Vladimir Petkovic. I will have to work, and my group too, to beat this team tomorrow,” Chelle added.
Galatasaray attacker, Victor Osimhen is set to captain the Super Eagles when they face hosts Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations today in Rabat.
The decision follows the suspension of regular captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is ruled out after accumulating bookings during the tournament. Ndidi received yellow cards in Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against Mozambique and the quarter-final win over Algeria.
With the Besiktas midfielder unavailable, Osimhen will assume leadership duties for the high-profile fixture. The Galatasaray striker has previously worn the armband, having captained Nigeria in their final group-stage match against Uganda.
Osimhen was officially named vice-captain on the eve of the tournament, reflecting his growing influence within the squad as Nigeria continue their push for a fourth AFCON title.
Meanwhile, coach Eric Chelle has expressed disappointment over the absence of captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Ndidi will miss today’s encounter after accumulating yellow cards during the knockout stage of the tournament. The midfielder was booked for time-wasting in Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Algeria, a caution that ruled him out of the last-four fixture having also received a caution in the Round of 16 win over Mozambique.
Speaking to reporters in Rabat on yesterday, Chelle admitted that Ndidi’s absence would be keenly felt within the squad.
“I am disappointed that our captain will not participate in tomorrow’s match, as his influence on the team is substantial,” the former Mali international said.
Ndidi has been instrumental for Nigeria throughout the competition, providing leadership, balance, and defensive solidity as the Super Eagles chase a place in the final.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has suggested a possible change in Nigeria’s approach as his side prepares to face hosts Morocco in tomorrow’s highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations encounter.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle admitted his players are showing signs of fatigue after a demanding run in the tournament, prompting him to consider a more cautious game plan against the Atlas Lions.
“I’ve noticed that my group is tired; it might be time for me to adjust my approach,” Chelle said. “We might perhaps leave the ball to Morocco and wait for them. We saw that they have difficulties when they play under pressure.”
Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has credited the Super Eagles’ strict and focused training sessions in Morocco as the main reason for their strong performance at the on-going 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Super Eagles won all group stage matches against Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1). They continued their dominant form by beating Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 and Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Marrakech.
Chelle emphasized his mind-set of treating each game as a final, focusing entirely on winning and moving forward match by match. Although he acknowledged the spotlight is on him as coach, he insists the players are the ones performing on the pitch, and he supports them by working closely with them off the pitch.
On Saturday , Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams grabbed second-half goals as the Super Eagles powered to a deserved 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals and set up a dream fixture with hosts Morocco for Wednesday’s semi-finals.
“Now, everybody is curious about Chelle but I’m not on the pitch but the players,” Chelle continued. “But I try to do my job with my own feelings. I feel good . I work with my players; spends my time with them.
Chelle recently celebrated his one year anniversary as Nigeria’s head coach, having managed 16 matches so far, and is proud of the progress made.
“ I’m very proud of my players,” he said.“ We have been working since last January but since then, we were having one or two days training sessions but here ( at the AFCON), we have had more training sessions to work and personally, I’m happy because with my vision for this team, I have some results.”
Meanwhile, Super Eagles have returned to Fez for recovery and light training ahead of their semi-final clash against Morocco. There are no injury concerns except Wilfred Ndidi, who will miss the semi-final due to suspension from two yellow cards.
One of the standout quarterfinal fixtures of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will see Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Algeria’s Desert Warriors at the Marrakesh Stadium in Marrakesh.
The Super Eagles are the tournament’s most prolific attacking side, having scored 12 goals shared among seven different players.
In contrast, the Greens have built their campaign on defensive solidity, emerging as the competition’s best defensive team with just one goal conceded so far. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Chelle was asked about the challenge of shifting the squad from negative to positive energy in light of issues surrounding the team, including disputes with the Nigeria Football Federation.
“This is my job, to try to stay focused only on the pitch, not around it. You can talk about the energy and you can talk about the state of mind, which is the most important thing,” Chelle told reporters. Chelle praised the unity within the Super Eagles camp, highlighting the solidarity shown by the players despite the challenges they have faced.”The group has stayed with great solidarity, so every time you do something, there are some good things and bad things, but you have to stay focused.
The most important thing is your objective and the group.”In that case, our state of mind is good. We are physically ready.
Tactically, I have to make choices, and technically we are ready too.”He also reiterated his stance on off-field matters, stressing that they should be addressed by the appropriate authorities rather than the coaching staff. “Once again, what happens around this team, I just want to talk about the pitch. If you have other questions, ask my Federation.”
Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has underlined the importance of squad depth and collective responsibility as Nigeria prepare for their last group’s game against Uganda today in Fes.
Speaking at his press conference , the Franco- Malian tactician stressed that the tournament is not about a fixed starting XI but about having everyone ready to contribute when called upon.
According to Chelle, merit and form will determine his selections, as he looks to field “the best team at the moment.”
He emphasized the need for improved intensity and sharper execution, noting that Nigeria must put more pressure into their overall performance to meet expectations.
“The players want to win,” he said, pointing to a group hungry for success and fully aware of what is at stake.
The former Malian coach also admitted he feels the weight of expectation whenever the team steps onto the pitch, adding the pressure comes from the fans and the players, ‘ who understand the responsibility of representing Nigeria’.
Meanwhile, Chelle has restated his claim that Victor Osimhen is “the best striker in the world”.
Osimhen celebrated his 27th birthday yesterday and the Super Eagles coach joined other well-wishers in praising him.
“For me, he’s the best striker in the world,” Chelle added the briefing .“I wish him lots of goals as a striker and I hope this AFCON will be a great AFCON for him.
“He feels good and he’s focused, very focused.”
For him, that pressure is part of the job and a driving force rather than a burden.
The glowing tribute further reflects the confidence the coach has in his squad as Nigeria brace for a demanding test against the Ugandan Cranes.
The Super Eagles are through to the Round of 16 of the AFCON after opening two wins against Tanzania and Tunisia and the team will top the group with at least a draw against the Cranes of Uganda.
