AFCON 2025: Can Eric Chelle make a difference with Nigeria?
Eric Chelle will participate in his second African Cup of Nations as a coach, with two different countries. After Mali, his country, in 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire, the AFCON 2025 in Morocco offers the opportunity for the 48-year-old coach to fight for his first career title.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Wealth of experience acquired with Mali
Upon arriving on the bench of Mali in June 2022, Eric Chellle was just a young coach, naturally inexperienced, who was leaving US Boulogne en National in France for his very first experience on the bench of a team.
However, this did not stop the former central defender from getting good results with the Eagles. But his inexperience caught up with him in the middle of AFCON 2023 and at the worst of times, in the quarter-finals against Côte d'Ivoire, the host country.
In a power-play since the 44th minute of play and the expulsion of Odilon Kossounou, the Mali Eagles were finally caught on goal in the 90th minute and the equalization by Simon Adingra, before being eliminated in overtime on a goal from Oumar Diakité. A lack of management that cost Mali dearly and for Chelle who will lose his position four months after the competition.
After Mali, Eric Chelle had a short adventure at MC Oran in Algeria (October 2024 – January 2025) before landing to the surprise of many on the Nigerian bench. A choice that caused a lot of discussion in the country, especially for the lack of experience of the Malian who arrives on the bench of a three-time champion of Africa and finalist of the last edition.
It was therefore a challenge that seemed too big for Eric Chelle. But very quickly, the 48-year-old man put everyone in agreement by propelling Nigeria in the race for qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Even though the Super Eagles were defeated in the playoff finals against DR Congo, Chelle earned everyone’s respect and brought back the dream of a fourth star.
With 9 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats in 15 matches, Eric Chelle has proven so far that he has learned from his mistakes and can win a country like Nigeria. A consecration at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco would bring him into the big league. But first it will be necessary to pass the first round where the Super Eagles will face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.