Eric Chelle Blows Hot Amid Reports of Possible Sack Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
- Eric Chelle signed a two-year deal with the NFF in January 2025 and has been tasked with securing Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup ticket
- There are reports that the tactician could be fired before the upcoming matches against Rwanda and South Africa
- The manager disclosed that he did not take the Nigerian job because of money, adding that the position is quite challenging
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has reacted to reports that he could be fired even before the next round of matches in the World Cup qualifiers.
The Nigerian national team will host the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 6, before taking on Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Bloemfontein three days later.
The Franco-Malian tactician signed a two-year deal with the NFF, and he has been tasked with securing the World Cup ticket for the team.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria have struggled in the qualifying campaign, sitting fourth with 7 points from six matches (one win, four draws, one loss).
South Africa tops the group with 13 points, followed by Benin and Rwanda (8 points each).
With four games left, the Super Eagles must win key matches, including against Rwanda and South Africa, in order to remain in contention for the ticket.
There are concerns that Chelle could be fired before the upcoming fixtures, following Nigeria's performance at the ongoing 2024 Africa Nations Championship, where they crashed out in the group stage.
Chelle led the team to a disastrous performance as they lost their opening match 1-0 to Senegal and suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Sudan, per Arise TV.
Despite a 2-0 win over Congo, with goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi, it wasn’t enough to advance. Sudan and Senegal progressed from Group D.
The manager's tactics, player selection, and lack of preparation were heavily criticised in what will go down as the worst outing at the CHAN.
Chelle said via osasuo:
"I have heard a lot of stories, about them wanting to sack me and replace me with someone else. I have heard about that.
"I know, quite well, that I can be fired after one match. This is the life in football. But if they decide to do that, they must be prepared to pay up the remainder of my contract.
"When I came to Nigeria, I didn’t come here because of money. I was earning more in my last job. I came to Nigeria because this is a very big team and I want to prove something, to achieve something.
"I came here for the challenge. Nothing has changed about that.”
"I have not had very much contact with the NFF President and the General Secretary, since I took charge of the team. We met at the very beginning, of course, and a few times afterwards. But I have been alone, largely, as I go on with doing my job.”
Source: Getty Images
Chelle assesses home-based players
Legit.ng earlier reported that Eric Chelle assessed the home-based players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and South Africa next month.
The manager worked with the NPFL players up close during the tournament and was faced with the question of whether they were good enough to make his Super Eagles squad.
Source: Legit.ng
