Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has rapidly emerged as one of the most in-demand football managers on the African continent following an impressive run with the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Chelle’s stock has risen sharply after guiding Nigeria to the semi-finals with an unblemished record. The Super Eagles have won all five of their matches so far, scoring an eye-catching 14 goals while conceding just four. Their most emphatic performance came in the quarter-finals, where they dominated Algeria in a 2–0 victory, completely neutralising the North African side and preventing them from registering a single shot on target.
The French tactician’s tactical discipline, attacking fluidity and defensive organisation have attracted widespread attention, with reports indicating that several national teams are closely monitoring his situation. Tunisia, Mali and Guinea are all believed to be weighing potential moves, with Tunisia reportedly preparing a lucrative offer once the tournament concludes.
According to sources, Tunisian football authorities are considering a deal valued at approximately $100,000 per month, with formal negotiations expected after AFCON. This interest is further fuelled by uncertainty surrounding Chelle’s long-term contractual future with the Nigeria Football Federation.
Guinea’s interest in Chelle predates the current tournament. In August, investigative journalist Romain Molina revealed through Joueurs Guinéens that the Guinean Football Federation had approached Chelle after negotiations with Paulo Duarte stalled due to disagreements over salary expectations.
“At a time when Paulo Duarte, the preferred candidate to coach the Syli National, had not signed because of financial demands, federation president Sory Doumbouya took the opportunity to open talks with Eric Chelle, who was already in charge of Nigeria,” the report stated.
More recently, ScoreNigeria confirmed that the list of suitors is growing. Football analyst Samm Audu disclosed that multiple countries have expressed interest in the Super Eagles boss, including nations currently involved in qualification campaigns for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I can confirm that there are concrete offers for Eric Chelle,” Audu reported. “At least two teams, Angola and Guinea, have shown interest in working with him. However, his priority right now is delivering success with Nigeria here in Morocco.”
Chelle’s former employers, Mali, are also reportedly re-evaluating their decision to part ways with him. The Malian national team reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON under his leadership, and several commentators now believe his departure marked a turning point in the team’s decline.
Senegalese football analyst Saiid At Tijani argued that Mali performed better under Chelle, suggesting that internal team issues, rather than coaching shortcomings, undermined his tenure. He added that subsequent events have vindicated former captain Hamari Traoré, who had previously defended the coach.
Echoing this sentiment, Malian outlet Les Aigles Du Mali noted that although Chelle’s successor conceded fewer goals, Mali’s overall performance deteriorated significantly after his exit.
“We said it all along and had to wait for AFCON to confirm it,” the outlet wrote. “The only improvement was in goals conceded. In terms of average points per competition, Mali dropped from first to fifth after Chelle’s departure.”
Among Nigerian supporters, Chelle’s transformation of the Super Eagles has been particularly striking. Just two months ago, he faced intense criticism after Nigeria lost the World Cup play-off final to DR Congo on penalties in Rabat—a defeat widely seen as the lowest point of his tenure.
The response at AFCON has been emphatic. Nigeria secured group-stage victories over Tunisia and Uganda, thrashed Mozambique 4–0 in the round of 16, and followed that with a tactically astute display against Algeria in the quarter-finals.
Statistically, Chelle’s impact has been profound. The Super Eagles are averaging 2.8 goals per game, controlling 62 per cent of possession and completing nearly 89 per cent of their passes. Defensively, the team has kept two clean sheets, averages 14.6 tackles and 16.2 clearances per match, and has conceded only one penalty throughout the competition.
Some football observers have drawn parallels between Chelle’s journey and that of the late Stephen Keshi, who was dismissed by Mali after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010 AFCON, only to later guide Nigeria to continental triumph in 2013. As Chelle continues his impressive run in Morocco, speculation over his future is growing—but for now, his focus remains firmly on leading the Super Eagles to glory.
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