At the heart of a momentous occasion at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Eric Chelle stood under the spotlight, unveiling his vision for the Super Eagles as their new head coach. A former defender with roots in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, Chelle broke new ground as the first non-Nigerian African to lead the three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions.

But amid the formalities and promises of an attacking renaissance, the 47-year-old tactician shared a personal revelation that endeared him to Nigerian fans.

“When I was young, Nigeria was my favorite team,” Chelle said, his voice brimming with nostalgia. “Christian Chukwu, Victor Ikpeba, Daniel Amokachi – these men were legends who made me dream.”

Chelle’s admiration for these icons runs deep. Christian Chukwu, the 1980 AFCON-winning captain, epitomized leadership and resilience. Victor Ikpeba, crowned African Footballer of the Year in 1997, was a symbol of skill and flair. And Daniel Amokachi, with his two Belgian Ebony Shoes awards, inspired through his power and precision.

The unveiling wasn’t just about reminiscence, though. Chelle promised to infuse the Super Eagles with the attacking philosophy that brought success to Mali during his tenure. Known for a free-flowing style that produced over 40 goals in 22 matches, Chelle guided Mali to the 2023 AFCON quarterfinals before bowing out to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in extra time.

“I love scoring goals,” Chelle declared with conviction. “My teams are never lacking in goals, and the Super Eagles will be no exception.”

Chelle’s immediate task is a challenging one. With Nigeria languishing in fifth place in their FIFA World Cup qualification group, behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho, the pressure is on to secure a turnaround.

Beyond the main team, Chelle will also oversee the home-based Super Eagles as they gear up for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

For Chelle, this isn’t just a job – it’s a chance to honor the legacy of the legends he idolized and write a new chapter in Nigerian football history.