Umar Sadiq Backs Eric Chelle to Transform Super Eagles with Mali’s Tactical Blueprint
Valencia Striker Confident in Chelle’s Approach for Nigeria’s Success
Valencia striker and Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has expressed his confidence in Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, believing the Malian tactician’s proven strategies will elevate the team to new heights.
Chelle, a former Mali international, earned recognition for his impressive tenure with the Malian national team, where he showcased his tactical brilliance. Under his leadership, Mali qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and displayed some of the tournament’s most exciting football.
Mali’s campaign featured a dominant group-stage performance, including a win against South Africa and draws with Tunisia and Namibia. In the Round of 16, they comfortably dispatched Burkina Faso. However, their AFCON journey ended in heartbreak during the quarterfinals after a dramatic extra-time loss to Côte d’Ivoire, despite dominating the match against a ten-man Ivorian side.
Speaking to SportyTV, Sadiq highlighted the potential impact of Chelle’s style on the Super Eagles. “You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone thought Mali was a strong contender. They played amazing football but were unlucky in the quarterfinals. If he brings that approach to Nigeria, we will go a long way forward,” Sadiq said.
Sadiq, who missed the last AFCON due to injury, is eager to contribute to both club and country. Currently on loan at Valencia from Real Sociedad, the forward is determined to cement his place in Chelle’s squad ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Chelle’s appointment has raised hopes among Nigerian football fans, with many optimistic that his tactical expertise, honed during his successful stint with Mali, will bring glory to the Super Eagles.