Malian tactician Eric Chelle has expressed his admiration for a few of Nigeria’s biggest soccer icons after his official unveiling as the brand new head coach of the Tremendous Eagles, Soccernet.ng reviews.
The Nigeria Soccer Federation launched the previous RC Lens defender to the general public on Monday on the Moshood Abiola Nationwide Stadium in Abuja.
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Chelle, 47, turns into the thirty seventh head coach of Nigeria’s nationwide crew and the primary non-Nigerian African to take cost of the three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners.
Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and Malian mom, the previous defender represented Mali internationally, incomes 5 caps.
Regardless of his Malian ties, Chelle disclosed his deep admiration for the Tremendous Eagles throughout his youth, highlighting three Nigerian legends who impressed him: Christian Chukwu, the 1980 AFCON-winning captain; Victor Ikpeba, the 1997 African Footballer of the Yr; and Daniel Amokachi, a two-time Belgian Ebony Footwear Award winner.
“This can be a nice job for me. I’m so proud and honoured,” Chelle mentioned throughout his unveiling.
“Nigeria has an excellent historical past, from Christian Chukwu, (Victor) Ikpeba, (Daniel) Amokachi. Once I was younger, Nigeria was my favorite crew.”
Chelle has pledged to remodel the Tremendous Eagles into an attacking drive, promising followers a goal-laden fashion of play.
His file with Mali underscores his attacking philosophy: throughout his tenure, Mali netted over 40 targets in 22 matches, profitable 14 video games, drawing 5, and dropping simply three.
Underneath his steerage, Mali reached the 2023 AFCON quarterfinals, overcoming South Africa and Burkina Faso earlier than falling to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in further time.
“I really like scoring targets. My groups are by no means missing in targets, and the Tremendous Eagles will probably be no exception – we are going to rating targets,” Chelle added.
Chelle may also oversee the home-based Tremendous Eagles’ preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Nonetheless, his instant job lies in reviving Nigeria’s stuttering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification marketing campaign.
The Tremendous Eagles presently sit fifth of their group, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho. Solely the group winners safe a spot within the event.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns right into a ball of ardour when writing about Nigerian soccer and its abilities, whether or not rising stars or established legends, domestically and overseas.
From the deepest corners of the Center East, to the inexperienced fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the wealthy soils of Africa, Imhons is greater than glad, often with a glass of a tasty drink close by, to seize the essence of the sport, by connecting the dots between tradition, identification, and soccer.