Nigeria’s Super Eagles manager, Eric Chelle, has revealed that he dreams of guiding the team to glory at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles, who finished as the highest-scoring side at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saw their impressive campaign end in heartbreaking fashion, losing on penalties to hosts Morocco in the semifinals.
The defeat denied Nigeria a place in the final despite a tournament run that had showcased their attacking strength and resilience.
Just two months before that semifinal clash, Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the World Cup had also suffered a setback.
The Super Eagles fell to another penalty shootout defeat, this time against the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a match similarly staged in Rabat.
Since the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, Chelle’s future has been the subject of intense speculation both at home and abroad, but the Malian has insisted that he’s committed to the Super Eagles for now.
During a recent appearance on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle reflected on his career aspirations. saying, “I have a structure around me to try to progress as a coach. It’s true that not long ago, I said that my dream was to be the first African at Real Madrid.
“But that’s not my only dream. I want to win an Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. If we had gone through, I wanted to qualify for the World Cup with Nigeria; I even wanted to win that World Cup.
“I have lots of dreams. I’m 48 years old but still young and someone who wants to realise his dreams.
Chelle has one year remaining on his contract, with the Nigeria Football Federation holding an option to extend the deal through 2027.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
