The Nigerian Football Federation made an unexpected choice by appointing Eric Chelle as the head coach of the national team. This specialist has no notable achievements as a player, and his coaching experience so far leaves more questions than answers. Will he be able to lead the Super Eagles to success? We analyze all the pros and cons. Fans who place bets on the national team through 22bet NG are anxiously following the developments. The bookmaker company provides a line and a list not only for the 2026 World Cup qualification, but also for many other top tournaments.
Eric Chelle – the hope of the Nigerian national team
The appointment of Eric Chelle as head coach of the Nigerian national team has caused a mixed reaction. Fans and experts are divided: some believe that this specialist will be able to breathe new life into the team, while others are skeptical about his prospects. There are indeed many questions: will he be able to cope with the pressure, adapt to African football and improve the situation in the 2026 World Cup qualification?
Chelle received the team at a difficult time: Nigeria had a weak start in the 2026 World Cup qualification, the results left much to be desired, and internal conflicts in the football federation only worsened the situation. How did he end up in this role and does he have a chance of success? So far, getting to the World Cup is quite realistic, because the gap between the first places is insignificant, and the group is really not the strongest. However, underestimating the opponent led to a change of coach, as well as three points in 4 matches. But the choice of the Nigerian Football Federation was surprising: there are still a lot of smart coaches without a contract, with experience and quite in demand.
Player career: no serious successes
Unlike many famous specialists, Eric Chelle did not have an outstanding career as a football player. He played as a midfielder, but his name was never among the top players of the world level.
Key moments of his career:
- Spent several seasons in mid-level French clubs, but never left France.
- Never called up to the national team of his country.
- Did not coach top clubs and only the Mali national team can be added to Chelle’s assets.
His football career was not remembered for any big achievements, but perhaps this is not so important. History knows many examples when people who did not shine on the field, but achieved success at the edge, became coaches. However, will Chelle be able to repeat the path of such specialists?
Why did the Football Federation choose Chelle?
The decision to appoint Chelle raised many questions. Nigeria had other options – coaches with more experience and more famous names. So why did they choose him? Experts answered:
- Relative cheapness. The Nigerian Football Federation has been experiencing financial difficulties for a long time. Inviting a famous European or South American specialist would require serious investment, and Shell agreed to a contract with more modest conditions.
- A fresh look and new ideas. Shell is considered a coach who actively uses modern tactical models. Perhaps the federation’s management expects that he will be able to bring something new to the game of the “Super Eagles”.
- Willingness to work with youth. Nigeria has many talented players who need the right approach. Shell has already proven that he can work with young footballers, and perhaps this was the emphasis when choosing a new coach.
For obvious reasons, Zinedine Zidane, Jurgen Klopp or Joachim Loew would not want to work with the Nigerian national team, but Gareth Southgate, Roberto Mancini or Graham Potter could be persuaded. Their salaries are solid, but maybe the results would be faster? Cheaper options: Frank Lampard, Edin Terzic, Raymond Domenech. However, everything has already been decided, so let’s see what results will be with Shell.
Conclusion
Eric Shell is not the most obvious candidate for the post of head coach of the Nigerian national team, but he has already received his chance. Now a lot depends on his ability to adapt to the conditions of African football and quickly correct the team’s mistakes. If he can find a common language with the players and build an effective tactical model, then perhaps he will be able to justify the trust. However, so far there is more skepticism than optimism. Will he be able to prove otherwise?
