Former Tremendous Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence in Eric Sekhou Chelle’s capacity to succeed as Nigeria’s new head coach, whereas additionally sending a phrase of warning concerning the larger stakes that include managing one in all Africa’s most distinguished groups.
Eguavoen, who guided the Tremendous Eagles to safe a spot within the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) event throughout his interim position, had been reportedly inquisitive about taking the place on a full-time foundation. Nevertheless, the Nigerian Soccer Federation (NFF) opted for Chelle, the previous Mali nationwide group coach, to take the helm.
Chelle is ready to make his debut as Nigeria’s coach subsequent week when the Tremendous Eagles face Rwanda in a vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
In a latest interview, Eguavoen shared his ideas on Chelle’s appointment, emphasizing the significance of offering the brand new coach with the mandatory assist. “On the senior group degree, it is advisable to give the coach all of the assist you possibly can,” Eguavoen mentioned. “He’ll make his selections, and we received’t intervene. In the event you do, you’re stepping on his toes, and ultimately, outcomes are what matter. He shall be held accountable for each the successes and failures.”
Whereas acknowledging Chelle’s talents as a coach, Eguavoen warned that managing the Tremendous Eagles could be a special problem in comparison with his earlier position with Mali. “Mali isn’t Nigeria. We have now extra expertise than the Malian group,” Eguavoen identified. “As an individual, he’s an exquisite man. As a coach, he’s good, however the stakes listed below are a lot larger.”
Regardless of the challenges, Eguavoen reiterated that the NFF would work carefully with Chelle to offer all the mandatory sources and guarantee he has the liberty to make key selections for the group.
With Nigeria at present sitting in second place of their World Cup qualifying group, 4 factors behind leaders Rwanda, the stress is mounting for Chelle. A victory over Rwanda and Zimbabwe would put the Tremendous Eagles in a extra snug place, however the highway to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stays a troublesome one.
Eguavoen concluded, “We’ll work carefully with him, present him with all of the sources he wants, and provides him the liberty to make his personal selections. However the actuality is that Nigeria must win each recreation to safe a spot within the World Cup.”
As Nigeria’s World Cup hopes relaxation in Chelle’s palms, the subsequent few matches shall be essential for the Tremendous Eagles’ quest to succeed in the 2026 event, which shall be collectively hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
