Nigerian Football
What Nigerians should expect from new Super Eagles’ manager, Chelle
BY ISAIAH AKINREMI.
New Nigeria boss Eric Chelle will face the biggest challenge of his managerial career when the Malian takes charge of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
The 47-year-old, who makes history as the first non-Nigerian African to assume the role of Super Eagles head coach, gained the attention of his new employers when he led Mali to a rare victory over Nigeria last year.
After missing out on the last edition of the World Cup in Qatar, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has tasked Chelle with reaching next year’s tournament.
However, he must hit the ground running given the Super Eagles have failed to win any of their first four games in Group C.
Some in the country are already criticising his appointment, with one student association describing it as “a slap in the face” of homegrown coaches.
One pundit who has followed his career has described Chelle as a “kind, courteous, and polite” man, but also as “a real fighter” and an ambitious coach.
Having reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with Mali, will he be able to inspire one of the continent’s footballing heavyweights?
Showing ‘fighting spirit’
Most of Eric Chelle’s professional appearances came during his spell with French side Valenciennes between 2003 and 2008
Chelle, born in Ivory Coast to a French father and a Malian mother, spent his entire professional playing career in France, beginning in the lower leagues with Martigues.
The centre-back moved to Valenciennes and helped win two consecutive league titles to reach the top flight in 2006, but then dropped down to the second tier two years later to join Lens.
More success followed as his new club won the title in his debut season, with Chelle named in the Ligue 2 team of the year.
“Eric works with discipline and rigour,” Malian sports journalist Salif Diakite told BBC Sport Africa.
“He has the fighting spirit [and] wants to win all his matches. He aspired to become a football coach.
“He quickly hung up his boots to devote himself to his coaching career. I’m not surprised to see Eric becoming [a] coach.”
Chelle started that path in 2014 as an assistant with GS Consolat (now known as Athletico Marseille), a French amateur club.
He re-joined Martigues as head coach in 2017 before joining Boulogne in May 2021.
However, he was dismissed just seven months later by the third-tier outfit after one win in 10 games.
“Eric is a quiet coach out of the pitch, but on the pitch, he is tough with his players,” Diakite added.
Stepping up with Mali
Mali won their group at the 2023 Afcon finals under Chelle, finishing ahead of South Africa and Tunisia
Despite having only managed in the French lower divisions, Chelle next made the step up to international football.
Mali selected him to take charge in May 2022 – ahead of former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr and ex-Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer.
Chelle, who also holds French citizenship, had won five caps for Mali between 2004 and 2006 but had never appeared at a major tournament. Yet he felt he was ready to manage his country.
“It is definitely a big challenge and I do like to challenge myself,” he said after joining the Eagles.
Mali certainly impressed in qualifying for the 2023 Afcon, losing just one game and finishing as the second-highest scorers with 13 goals.
Yet, playing at attacking game with a 4-3-3 formation, Chelle could not lead a talented side past the quarter-finals at the tournament itself after a heart-breaking defeat by hosts Ivory Coast.
Mali seemed certain of victory but the Elephants scored a 90th-minute equaliser and then a 122nd-minute winner.
After a slow start in 2026 World Cup qualifying, with one win from their first four games, the Malian Football Federation fired Chelle in June last year.
Diakite says that decision was “badly received” by supporters and a section of the squad.
“Most Malian football fans believed that Eric could do something with Eagles,” he explained.
“[He] had a very good relationship with his players. When he was sacked, some of his players had refused to come to the national team.”
An ‘enormous’ challenge with Nigeria
Nigeria’s Super Eagles last featured at the World Cup finals in 2018 in Russia
Since leaving Mali, Chelle’s only job has been a short and unsuccessful stint with Algerian club MC Oran.
Now comes another big step up to manage three-time continental champions Nigeria, the runners-up at the 2023 Afcon.
Super Eagles fans had expected a high-profile coach to take charge, and Diakite accepts the challenge is “enormous”.
“I understand the feeling of Nigerian football fans,” he said.
“He (Chelle) is a young coach. His record is blank [at] the moment, but he is ambitious.”
Results in the final six rounds of World Cup qualifiers will be crucial in deciding whether Chelle is kept on for the 2025 Afcon, which kicks off in December.
But Diakite suggests patience is required.
“Malian football fans have a lot of admiration for Eric Chelle.
“I hope that he will have the same consideration in Nigeria.”
Chelle may well lead Nigeria at next month’s African Nations Championship, the tournament for domestic-based players.
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau said the new Super Eagles coach would be the one to manage the side – with the aim of “injecting” Nigerian Premier League players into the senior national team.
“Eric used to follow the local league (Mali Premier Division) a lot. We always found a local player in his national team,” Diakite explained.
In order to win over demanding fans and deliver results with the Super Eagles, Chelle will need to draw on all the experience he has gathered so far.
-BBC
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Nigerian Football
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
Prominent FIFA-licensed football agent John Shittu has issued a formal legal demand to former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia, seeking a full retraction and apology over alleged defamatory statements made against him about Nigeria’s 2008 Olympic football campaign.
In a letter dated and signed by his legal representatives, Godwin Dick Inyang & Co., Shittu categorically denied Siasia’s claim—widely reported in the media including Sahara Reporters and Soccernet.ng—that he offered Siasia a bribe of €50,000 to secure John Obi Mikel’s inclusion in the Nigeria U-23 team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
The legal notice, addressed directly to Siasia, described the allegation as “false, malicious, and grossly defamatory,” adding that it had caused “reputational harm and professional injury” to Shittu, who is widely respected in the global football industry.
“Your statement is false, malicious, and calculated to disparage and lower our client in the estimation of his colleagues, clients, and the public, particularly in the tightly regulated world of professional sports management,” the letter stated.
Shittu’s legal team is demanding:
- A full and unreserved retraction of the alleged statement on Sahara Reporters, Soccernet.ng, and all other platforms that published it;
- Publication of the retraction in at least two widely circulated national newspapers, including The Punch and This Day;
- A formal, written apology addressed to Mr. Shittu and published on all aforementioned platforms;
- A written undertaking not to issue or publish any similar statements in the future;
- Payment of ₦250 million in damages for defamation, reputational injury, and consequential losses.
The legal notice further warned that failure to comply within 14 days of receipt will result in legal action against Siasia. The planned suit would seek aggravated damages, a restraining injunction, and full legal costs.
Shittu is well known in Nigerian and international football circles, having managed and represented top-tier footballers over the years.
The gravity of the allegations, his legal team argues, is not only damaging to his personal and professional reputation but could also have implications in the closely scrutinised world of sports integrity and management.
As of the time of filing this report, Siasia has not publicly responded to the legal threat.
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Tribute by Patrick Ekeji Reflects Bond, Legacy, and Regret Over Lost Potential
The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the passing of former Green Eagles captain, Captain Chris Chukwu, MFR, a towering figure in Nigerian football and one of the most respected team leaders of his generation.
In an emotional tribute, a close teammate and longtime friend of Chukwu reflected on the deep bond they shared, describing the late defender as more than just a colleague on the pitch.
“It’s been difficult for me to accept that ‘Ol boy’ – for that is what we called each other – is no more,” the tribute began. “The news was most unexpected. It took me some time to come to terms with it.”
The bond between the two football greats, which began during their school days and continued through their careers in club and national teams, was described as one built on mutual respect and camaraderie. According to the tribute, they communicated frequently, sometimes as often as two to three times a month, until Chukwu’s health began to decline.
The writer also acknowledged the humanitarian gesture of business magnate Femi Otedola, who funded Chukwu’s medical treatment abroad when his illness worsened. “Otedola, I shall always remember what you did for him. Thank you,” the tribute noted.
Chris Chukwu was lauded as the most consistent team leader of his time, having captained teams from the East Central State Academicals to Rangers International FC, and eventually, the Green Eagles. His leadership qualities, on-field vision, and calm command earned him universal respect among teammates and coaches.
“He towered so high with the execution of his skills, overview and control of the team. It was natural, and we all respected his views on any issues that arose between us and the officials.”
The tribute also touched on Chukwu’s coaching career, noting with some regret that his gentle nature may not have suited the demands of the dugout. It further lamented the absence of adequate post-retirement support systems for athletes of his generation, which might have offered him a more structured path after his playing days.
“True, no living being has power over death, yet I believe that his post-soccer days would have taken a different route if there existed a system whereby such talents as he had exposure to appropriate post-sports/football years counselling.”
As burial plans are underway, the late football icon is being remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his humility, leadership, and the inspiration he provided to generations of Nigerian players.
“It is my prayer that God receives his soul in heaven whilst also strengthening the family he left behind to accept his departure with utmost spiritual and physical strength. Adieu, Chris.”
Chukwu’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in Nigerian football history.
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BY IKENNA NWOKEDI
The Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has lauded the leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) under Chief George Aluo for the successful completion of the 2024/25 season.
Speaking at a media parley with sports journalists in Lagos over the weekend, NALCOMA President Godwin Enakhena praised the NNL board for its efforts in enhancing the quality and integrity of the league.
Enakhena described the just-concluded season as a major success, highlighting the competitive performance of teams across the four groups and the commendable conduct of fans at various match venues. He also noted significant improvements in officiating standards compared to previous seasons, attributing the progress to the NNL leadership’s commitment to raising the league’s profile.
“The standard of officiating improved remarkably this season. It reflects the dedication of the NNL leadership to ensure the league matches the standards of the top-flight NPFL,” said Enakhena, who also serves as Chairman of Sporting Lagos FC.
He further commended the NNL for securing the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, as the host venue for the upcoming Super 8 playoffs, scheduled from July 5 to 12, 2025. He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his continued support for football development.
Enakhena urged the eight qualifying teams to approach the playoffs with determination, noting that only the best should represent the NNL in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season.
The teams set to battle for promotion in the Super 8 are Warri Wolves, Crown FC (Ogbomosho), Kun Khalifat FC (Owerri), Osun United FC, Wikki Tourists FC (Bauchi), Yobe Desert Stars, Doma United FC (Gombe), and Barau FC (Kano).
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