Newly appointed head coach of the Tremendous Eagles, Éric Chelle, has sparked curiosity after being assigned the quantity 12 jersey by the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF), Soccernet.ng reviews.
The previous Mali worldwide was formally unveiled as the brand new head coach of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions on the MKO Abiola Nationwide Stadium convention room.
On the occasion, Chelle, along with different stakeholders of the Nigerian soccer physique, had been noticed posing with the Tremendous Eagles jersey along with his identify and the jersey quantity 12 on it.
Potential causes for Chelle’s Jersey quantity
Usually, numbers written on the again of jerseys after a contract is signed on this planet of soccer typically signify the contract years agreed between the participant or supervisor and the administration.
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Nonetheless, with Chelle signing a two-year contract with the Nigerian soccer physique, it’s removed from conclusive that it signifies the variety of years or months on his contract.
Historically, jersey numbers maintain symbolic meanings, with the quantity 12 sometimes called the “twelfth man.” This may be interpreted because the NFF’s method of emphasising Chelle’s essential function.
Throughout Chelle’s enjoying days, he was additionally identified to put on the quantity 12 jersey at each membership and worldwide ranges.
From 2005 to 2008, Chelle donned the quantity 12 jersey at Valenciennes CF and in the course of the 2013–14 season marketing campaign at Chamois Niortais FC.
Abdul Kader Keita (Lyon, li.) gegen Guillaume Rippert (Mitte) und Eric Chelle (beide Valenciennes) [Photo credit/ Imago]
Though the Côte d’Ivoire-born tactician was additionally related to different jersey numbers, corresponding to 24 at FC Martigues and RC Lens and quantity 6 at FC Istres Ouest Provence, the quantity 12 stays vital.
What to anticipate from Tremendous Eagles twelfth man
The previous RC Lens star has established himself as one of many high African coaches lately, significantly for his influence on the Malian nationwide crew, the place he narrowly misplaced to Côte d’Ivoire on the 2023 AFCON event.
Now, he’s set to guide considered one of Africa’s best groups, the Tremendous Eagles, with the duty of maximising the squad’s potential.
The @NGSuperEagles have a brand new coach.
Eric Sekou Chelle is the brand new coach of the #SuperEagles.
A brand new daybreak is right here. pic.twitter.com/RwYGpm74ji
— The NFF (@thenff) January 13, 2025
His first main problem would be the Tremendous Eagles’ must-win clashes towards Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, the place he’ll intention to safe most factors for the crew.
Along with his spectacular monitor file with the Mali nationwide crew, there’s optimism that he can obtain even higher success with Nigeria.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports activities journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a confirmed monitor file in conducting interviews with Tremendous Eagles stars corresponding to William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Shiny Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and lots of others. He has additionally made a big influence in breaking switch information tales.
Grounded in video modifying, video journalism, social media administration, and content material technique, Ayomide brings a wealth of experience to his work.
