Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle has reacted to viral report claiming that he was employed to manage Nigerian senior national team through connections and not merit.
Recall that Coach Chelle was appointed by Nigeria Football Federation after interim former interim manager, Augustine Eguavoen, who had been in charge of the Super Eagles during their successful qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during an interview with CANAL+ SPORT Afrique, on Monday, the Super Eagles’ coach said that he applied for Nigeria job just like every other coach without any form of connection.
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He added that he presented his vision and philosophy to the NFF and was glad to get the Super Eagles job.
READ MORE: “Super Eagles Must Beat South Africa, Rwanda To Qualify For FIFA World Cup” – Coach Eric Chelle
Chelle said: “When I left the Malian team, there was a call for applications from the NFF, from the Nigerian Federation and so I applied like any other coach and then interview came.
“I was invited to a coaches’ conference where I presented my project or my vision and philosophy. I thought it would happen much faster but due to some events, I had to wait, so I left.
“I left for Rouen, but then it’s true that I had this opportunity which I risk losing. So I returned. For this great project.
“In the final moments of negotiation, you felt their determination and that made me come.
“We were in discussions since before then. It took a while, but then it accelerated. It was very very fast, maybe that’s why it made a big buzz there, but no no no once again I was aligned on what I wanted to do.”
Many Nigerians have accused the NFF following Chelle’s appointment, saying that Super Eagles may not qualify for World Cup with the new coach’s profile.
