‘Nothing is impossible’ as Nigeria chase 2026 World Cup qualification

In just four years of coaching, Éric Chelle has managed four football teams: two club sides and two national teams. Yet, for the former Malian international, leading Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, the Super Eagles, stands out as the most prestigious and demanding role of his career.

Beyond coaching the eleven players on the pitch, Chelle must also navigate the expectations of over 230 million Nigerians, each with their own opinions and passion for the game.

“Coaching Nigeria is something huge,” Chelle told CAFonline.com. “Nigeria is a massive team, arguably the best in Africa in terms of sporting pedigree and aura. For me, it’s a great source of pride. As I’ve often said, it feels like a World Cup. It’s an iconic national side. I was genuinely a supporter of this team; I remember the 1998 (FIFA) World Cup in France. They had a fantastic side. I even bought Nigerian shirts. For me, it’s a deep pride, beyond words.”

Appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on 7 January 2025, Chelle has overseen 13 matches so far, recording eight wins, three draws, and two losses.

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Eyes on the 2026 FIFA World Cup

After missing out in the initial qualifying round, Nigeria now has a second chance to reach the 2026 World Cup through the CAF Playoffs, which offer the chance to compete in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March 2026. The Super Eagles will face Gabon on 13 November in the semi-finals in Morocco, and Chelle remains optimistic about their chances.

Buoyed by recent victories over Lesotho and Benin Republic, Chelle expressed gratitude to Nigerian fans: “Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I’m so happy to have brought smiles back to their faces.

“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them to do the same for the playoffs. I plan to give my best for Nigeria, and In Sha Allah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”

While the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) looms later in the year, Chelle’s immediate focus is on the playoff in Morocco. “I’ve created a bubble to stay focused on my goals. Before AFCON, our immediate target is the World Cup playoffs. The goal is to win against Gabon on 13 November, and if successful, the final on 16 November. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated, and united, nothing is impossible.”

Managing a star-studded squad

Chelle faces the challenge of managing a squad overflowing with talent, including two former African Footballers of the Year - Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

“There are at least 25 players who could start across the frontline; more than a full team. We manage it carefully. We’ve built a player-tracking system, monitoring around 80 players weekly. Selection is based on three criteria: club activity, performance, and tactical fit. Sometimes tactics take precedence. For instance, Ademola Lookman hadn’t played much for Atalanta early in the season, but I couldn’t leave out the African Player of the Year. He can change a game in 15 minutes. Picking 25 is never easy, especially in Nigeria.”

Embracing Nigeria’s football culture

The former Algeria’s MC Oran coach is particularly enamoured by Nigeria’s intense football culture. “It’s a very passionate country that loves football and understands it deeply. With 230 million Nigerians, you have 230 million coaches, journalists, and decision-makers. Expectations are high, and the pressure is intense. The fans are emotional and react quickly; sometimes that’s great, sometimes risky. I had to adapt fast, create a bubble around myself to stay focused. I’ve been off social media for a while to avoid distractions and concentrate on work with my technical staff. We’re moving step by step. We haven’t achieved anything yet; we’ve climbed one step and are working on the next.”

Chelle sees coaching an African team as a reflection of his identity and values. “As I often say, it’s my DNA. Coaching in Africa goes beyond sport. I use football to carry a message: that everyone can live together. It’s not about origin or religion—it’s about respect for the individual. Yes, it made waves that a Malian is coaching Nigeria, but I’m simply doing my job with humility and respect. I arrived as someone who is 50 percent Malian, 50 percent French. But today, I’m in Nigeria; I consider myself Nigerian, and I’m ready to give everything for this team and country.”

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