BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Éric Sékou Chelle, the Malian new manager of the Super Eagles has promised to turn the fluctuating fortunes of the team around.

Chelle at his unveiling as the 42nd manager ever to handle the Nigerian lead football brand, remarked that the Nigerian team will be transformed into a goal-scoring outfit.

Picking his English, as he appears to be reading from a written message, the former centre-back footballer remarked: “Football is about scoring goals…and that is what will happen in the Super Eagles…”

In reality, the Nigeria national team, despite the glut of attackers spread across many fields in Europe, has been struggling with goal-scoring.

In nine successive matches, since the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles only two matches were won by more than one goal margin.

They got to the final match of the last Africa Cup of Nations, playing defensively and depending on occasional forays upfront. In one of the matches that the Super Eagles played, Chelle led Mali to beat Nigeria 2-0. It was the first time in 50 years that Mali ever beat Nigeria.

Chelle’s most important assignment will be putting Nigeria’s World Cup qualification back on course when the series resumes in March.

Nigeria will on March 17 be away to table-topper, Rwanda.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

While Jose Peseiro was the first Portuguese to handle the Nigerian national team, another milestone will be reached this Monday as

Éric Chelle will be unveiled as the 42^nd person to handle the Nigerian national team since September 1949 when England’s John Finch became the ad hoc coach of Nigeria’s first national selection.

Chelle, 47, will be the first-ever non-Nigerian African to handle the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. He is a Malian, although still qualifies to hold citizenship of France where his father comes from and where he played his club football, he could also be an Ivoirian, as he was born in Cote d’Ivoire.

Although it has become conventional for football powers to hand over their national teams to citizens, there has been a paradigm shift.

Even conservative England, with a long tradition as a football nation, is having its third foreign manager after the Swedish Sven-Göran Eriksson, Italian Fabio Capello and now Germany’s Thomas Tuchel.

Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi similarly coached Togo and Mali and was on the verge of getting a job as Guinea’s manager when he died.

According to a media release by the NFF, Éric Sékou Chelle will be formally unveiled to the public at the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, by 11 am.

NFF chief, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, reportedly remarked on Sunday that the Franco-Malian coach embodies the fresh energy, new thinking and positive attitude with which the Federation desire the Super Eagles to confront their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle.

“However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles. 

“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job.”

At Monday’s unveiling, the NFF will also disclose the names of Coach Chelle’s assistants, with the crew to shepherd the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa, before focusing squarely on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, beginning with the matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March. 

Chelle, who took Mali’s Aiglons within breathing distance of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, left his job at top Algerian side, Mouloudia Club of Oran (MC Oran) – 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists – to team up with the Super Eagles.      

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The English football landscape has long been a breeding ground for talented young players who go on to achieve greatness on the world stage.  

The likes of Ademola Lookman, Bukayo Saka, and Alex Iwobi are just a few examples of players who began their journeys as youngsters in England before blossoming into professional stars known across the globe.

One player who is following in the footsteps of these stars is Olumide Akinode, a versatile and dynamic footballer born on June 19, 2001, in London, England.

Olumide Akinode, set to blossom into stardom

He is of Nigerian parentage. With a professional career spanning over four years, “Olu” as he is fondly called has showcased his adaptability and skill across multiple positions, excelling as a right wing-back, winger, and even in central midfield.

“I’ve always been driven to succeed and make a name for myself in football,” Olu said in an exclusive interview.

“Growing up, I looked up to players like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, who not only excelled on the pitch but also built successful brands off it. I want to follow in their footsteps and create a lasting legacy in the sport.”

Olu’s football journey began in England, where he played for notable clubs such as Brentwood Town, Northwood, Coggeshall Town, and Stanway Rovers. 

During his time in the competitive Isthmian and Essex Senior Leagues, he gained recognition for his consistent performances and leadership qualities.

According to the testimonies of his former coaches, Olu was always a standout player, even from a young age.

His hunger to learn and improve and his work ethic was second to none. 

Olu’s efforts earned him accolades, including the prestigious Players’ Player of the Season award for the 2022/23 season. 

In 2023, an opportunity to play abroad came knocking, and Olu signed with LKS Ślesin in Poland’s Artbud Group IV Liga.

It was a bold move, but one that showcased his courage and ambition. “Coming to Poland was a fresh start,” Olu reflects.

“It was about proving to myself that I could adapt to a new culture, a new style of play, and still thrive.”

Olu continues to make an impact on the field with stellar performances, tallying two assists and a Man of the Match award within just five games.

It is not surprising Olu has quickly become fans’ favourite. One of the local sports journalists in Poland describes Olu as “a player who brings energy and precision to every match. 

Building the Olumide Akinode Brand

Beyond his on-field exploits, Olu is also focused on building his brand. 

“It’s about being more than just a footballer,” he says. “I want to inspire younger players, especially those who come from humble beginnings like I did, to chase their dreams fearlessly.”

His journey resonates with many, including aspiring footballers in England and Poland. 

For many, Olu’s story reminds us that it’s not about where we start but how far we’re willing to go. 

“He’s an inspiration to so many people.” affirms … a close friend 

The Road Ahead

At 23, Olumide Akinode’s journey is just beginning. With his talent, determination, and ever-growing fan base, he’s poised for greater heights. Whether it’s breaking into higher leagues or representing his ancestral homeland, Nigeria, on the international stage, the future looks bright for Olu.

Olumide Akinode is already making impact as a wing back.

“For me, it’s always about progress,” Akinode says with a smile. “Every match, every training session, every new challenge—I see it as a step closer to achieving my dreams.”

Like Lookman, Saka, and Iwobi before him, Akinode is proving that humble beginnings are no barrier to global success. Instead, they are the foundation upon which greatness is built.

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