NFF Explains Why They Hired Ex-Malian Coach

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, is optimistic that ‘understanding of African football mentality’ by the new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will help him deliver on the task of qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Chelle was unveiled on Monday at a brief ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja by the NFF, one week after his announcement as the 37th coach of the Super Eagles.
He was given a two-year deal with an option to extend by another year if he gets the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket.
During his unveiling, Gusau banked on the confidence that Chelle had shown in their interactions over the past few days, stating that the federation would give him the necessary support.
“Eric is here to work and I want to assure all Nigerians that if Eric can give us what happened in Mali, by the grace of God we are going to the World Cup,” Gusau said.
“There is no coach in the history of Nigerian football that didn’t have this kind of issue. Look at Westerhof, how did he come to Nigeria? What was his record of Bonfrère Jo when he came to Nigeria? But the key thing is we want somebody that understands the mentality of African football.
“We are ready to give him all the support that he needs to execute his job without hitches and I know we will get the results.”