Nigeria’s head coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, has described leading the Super Eagles as a profoundly personal mission, saying his bond with the country is part of his “DNA.”
Since assuming the role in March 2025, Chelle has transformed the Super Eagles’ fortunes, steering them to four victories and two draws in six matches — earning 14 out of a possible 18 points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. His tenure has marked a dramatic improvement for the team, which had previously secured only two points before his appointment.
Chelle, who previously managed Mali and led them to the quarter-finals of the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, told CAF that his connection with Nigeria extends well beyond the pitch.
“As I often say, it’s my DNA,” Chelle said.
“Yes, it made waves that a Malian is in charge of Nigeria, but I’m simply trying to do my job with humility and respect. I arrived as someone who is 50 per cent Malian, 50 per cent French. But today I am in Nigeria; I consider myself Nigerian and I’m ready to give everything for this team and country.”
The 47-year-old tactician admitted that managing one of Africa’s biggest football nations remains both an honour and a responsibility.
“It’s something huge. Nigeria is a massive team, arguably the best in Africa in sporting terms and aura, in many respects. For me, it’s a great source of pride. As I’ve often said, it feels like a World Cup for me. It’s an iconic national side.
“It resonates even more because I was genuinely a supporter of this team. I remember the 1998 World Cup in France, they had a fantastic side. I even bought Nigeria shirts. For me, it’s a deep pride, beyond words.”
Under Chelle’s leadership, Nigeria have shown renewed intensity and tactical balance, with a cohesive spirit that reflects his people-first philosophy. The coach has also emphasised mental strength and unity as the foundation of the Super Eagles’ recent resurgence.
With the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup play-offs approaching, Chelle remains clear about his ambition.
“Of course we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON. My first AFCON was a fantastic experience. I think Morocco will be a great tournament, too. The players feel the same. Since March we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar.
“We’ll be ready mentally and in our collective mindset. If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult. But there are big teams: Morocco are favourites, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire — nations in top form. Our strength is that the players have suffered, then found a way through. That can really hurt opponents.”
When asked what headline he would love to see after the next Africa Cup of Nations, Chelle’s response was immediate. “Nigeria, champions of Africa.”