‘Strict and very hard’ Eric Chelle aims to be ‘Big Brother’ to Super Eagles players

Eric Chelle

Eric Chelle, the newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, has made it clear that his approach will be anything but soft, with the Franco-Malian tactician vowing to instill discipline within the team.

'Strict and very hard' Eric Chelle aims to be 'Big Brother' to Super Eagles players

But while he describes himself as “strict and very hard,” Chelle also aims to play the role of a “Big Brother” to Nigeria’s national team players, footballrover reports.

The coach’s ambitious plans come at a crucial time, as the Super Eagles are in a challenging position in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Chelle’s approach to leading the Super Eagles players

During his unveiling on Monday in Abuja, Chelle emphasised his commitment to enforcing discipline on and off the pitch.

With Nigeria currently sitting fifth in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the coach’s immediate focus is on preparing the team for two must-win matches in March 2025—away to Rwanda and at home against Zimbabwe.

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'Strict and very hard' Eric Chelle aims to be 'Big Brother' to Super Eagles players

Despite his firm stance, Chelle is determined to create a balance by fostering strong personal relationships with the Super Eagles players, offering support as they aim for qualification.

The first thing I need to put in place for my game project is to talk to the players. I am strict; sometimes I am very hard. But I would be a big brother on the pitch with my players, and we are going to work hard for the team,” he said.

Eric Chelle’s personal commitment to the Super Eagles

The newly appointed coach has expressed a deep personal connection to the Super Eagles, recalling how the team has been his favourite since childhood.

He revealed that following the team’s progress, even attending a World Cup match in Marseille, shaped his desire to lead them to success.

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'Strict and very hard' Eric Chelle aims to be 'Big Brother' to Super Eagles players

With a clear vision for the team, Chelle stated that while strict rules will be established, his focus will be on the collective effort to elevate Nigeria’s footballing fortunes.

Chelle’s experience managing lower division clubs in France and his time as the coach of Mali, followed by a stint with Algerian club MC Oran, has prepared him for this high-stakes challenge.

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His determination to leave a lasting legacy with the Super Eagles is clear, and his leadership will be crucial in Nigeria’s quest for World Cup qualification.

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