by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2025 | AFCON, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Malian coach embarks on a new chapter with Nigeria, aiming for continental and global glory.
Eric Chelle, a legend of Valenciennes FC and a respected tactician, has traded his tenure at MC Oran for an ambitious new role as the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles. In a move he candidly described as “selfish,” the 47-year-old acknowledged the allure of managing one of Africa’s most prestigious football teams was simply irresistible.
Chelle’s departure from MC Oran came on a high note. His team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over USM Sétif, earning them a spot in the Algeria Cup quarter-finals. However, the allure of leading the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions proved too compelling for him to stay.
“I have the chance to join the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world. It’s true that I’m very selfish. But once again, I thank the Algerians, as well as the Oran public for the welcome,” Chelle remarked, as reported by Mediafootdz.
He didn’t leave without expressing gratitude to those who supported him during his time in Algeria. “I also thank my management who has always put me in the best conditions, as well as my staff and all my players,” Chelle added, reflecting on his journey at MC Oran.
Now at the helm of the Super Eagles, Chelle is tasked with high-stakes challenges, including guiding Nigeria’s B team through the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and securing a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With an eye on continental success, he also aims to deliver glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Having previously led Mali close to the semi-finals of the 2023 AFCON, Chelle is no stranger to navigating intense competitions. Nigerian fans, ever hungry for success, will be watching closely as the Malian tactician takes charge of their beloved national team.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to formally introduce Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles on Monday. The unveiling ceremony will take place at the media conference room of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, where Chelle and his team of assistants will be presented to the public.
Appointed only a few days ago, Chelle’s primary task is to guide Nigeria to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. The critical Matchdays 5 and 6 of the qualifiers are set for March, giving the 47-year-old Malian tactician a challenging but promising start to his tenure.
Chelle, who earned five caps for the Mali national team (Aiglons), brings a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching careers. As a player, he represented clubs like Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais in France. Transitioning to coaching, he managed teams such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, steadily building his tactical acumen.
His most notable coaching feat came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he led Mali to the semi-finals. In a dramatic encounter, Mali lost 2-1 to the hosts and eventual champions after leading for most of the game.
The NFF’s choice of Chelle signals a bold step toward rebuilding and redefining Nigeria’s football fortunes. His unveiling marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Super Eagles as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
In a surprising twist, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Malian tactician Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. This marks a historic first for Nigeria, as Chelle becomes the first non-Nigerian African to manage the country’s national team.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, has sparked debate across the footballing landscape. It comes after months of speculation that the NFF was pursuing a high-profile European manager, following near-deals with candidates like former Stuttgart boss Bruno Labbadia. Instead, the federation opted for Chelle, a relatively lesser-known coach with a UEFA Pro Licence and a resume that includes managing lower-league French clubs and leading Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2024 AFCON.
Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami has likened this appointment to the NFF’s decision in 1990 to hire Clemens Westerhof, a Dutchman who would later become the Super Eagles’ most successful coach. Westerhof, though now a legend, was an underwhelming pick at the time, having managed only a handful of Dutch clubs and served as an assistant at Feyenoord.
In his column for The Vanguard, Odegbami remarked, “Chelle’s qualifications are statistically a notch higher than Westerhof’s in 1990. Is the NFF trying to emulate the Westerhof model? Could that be the thinking behind this decision?”
Westerhof’s tenure famously transformed Nigerian football, culminating in AFCON glory in 1994 and the country’s first FIFA World Cup appearance that same year. Odegbami believes Chelle’s appointment, though surprising, could yield similar long-term success.
Chelle’s immediate challenge will be guiding Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with decisive qualifying fixtures scheduled for March. His official unveiling, alongside his assistants, is set for Monday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The football world watches eagerly to see if the NFF’s gamble on Chelle will pay off, or if it will become another chapter in the complex story of Nigerian football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Gyasi showcased his creativity with a vital assist for Empoli, though his efforts were not enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat to Lecce in their Serie A clash on Saturday at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Gyasi, who played the full 90 minutes, was a bright spot for the home side in the highly competitive Week 20 fixture. Despite falling behind early, the 31-year-old forward continued to battle for Empoli, demonstrating his playmaking abilities.
Lecce took control of the game in the opening minutes, with Tete Morente scoring in the 6th minute following a pass from Santiago Pierotti. Five minutes later, Nikola Krstovic doubled the visitors’ advantage, leaving Empoli with an uphill task.
Gyasi sparked a glimmer of hope for Empoli just two minutes into the second half, setting up Liberato Cacace for a goal that reduced the deficit to 2-1. However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Krstovic struck again in stoppage time, sealing the victory for Lecce.
Gyasi’s assist brings his Serie A tally to two goals and two assists in 20 games this season. Across all competitions, the Ghanaian international has featured in 23 matches, maintaining the same contributions, highlighting his importance to Empoli’s campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a thrilling FA Cup Round 3 encounter at the Vitality Stadium, Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo delivered a game-changing performance to help Bournemouth secure an emphatic 5-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Semenyo, who started the game on the bench, was introduced at the beginning of the second half, replacing Max Aarons. Within just one minute of his introduction, the 25-year-old forward made an immediate impact, finding the back of the net in the 47th minute to extend Bournemouth’s lead. Later in stoppage time, Semenyo capped off his brilliant performance by providing an assist for England’s Daniel Jebbison to seal the commanding win.
West Brom had initially taken the lead in the 14th minute through Caleb Taylor. However, Bournemouth responded fiercely, with Justin Kluivert leveling the score. Burkina Faso international Dango Ouattara then put Bournemouth ahead, netting a first-half brace in the 34th and 44th minutes to give the Cherries a 3-1 advantage at halftime.
Semenyo’s contributions solidified Bournemouth’s dominance, ensuring a smooth passage to the next round of the competition. The former Bristol City star has now recorded one goal and one assist in his only FA Cup appearance this season. Across all competitions, he boasts six goals and three assists in 21 matches, underscoring his growing influence for the Premier League side.
