Former Tremendous Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence in Eric Sekhou Chelle’s capacity to succeed as Nigeria’s new head coach, whereas additionally sending a phrase of warning concerning the greater stakes that come with managing one in all Africa’s most outstanding groups.
Eguavoen, who guided the Tremendous Eagles to safe a spot within the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match throughout his interim function, had been reportedly all in favour of taking the place on a full-time foundation. Nevertheless, the Nigerian Soccer Federation (NFF) opted for Chelle, the previous Mali nationwide workforce coach, to take the helm.
Chelle is ready to make his debut as Nigeria’s coach subsequent week when the Tremendous Eagles face Rwanda in a vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
In a latest interview, Eguavoen shared his ideas on Chelle’s appointment, emphasizing the significance of offering the brand new coach with the required assist. “On the senior workforce degree, you want to give the coach all of the assist you possibly can,” Eguavoen stated. “He’ll make his selections, and we received’t intervene. In case you do, you’re stepping on his toes, and in the long run, outcomes are what matter. He will likely be held accountable for each the successes and failures.”
Whereas acknowledging Chelle’s skills as a coach, Eguavoen warned that managing the Tremendous Eagles could be a unique problem in contrast to his earlier function with Mali. “Mali isn’t Nigeria. We’ve extra expertise than the Malian workforce,” Eguavoen identified. “As an individual, he’s an exquisite man. As a coach, he’s good, however the stakes listed below are a lot greater.”
Regardless of the challenges, Eguavoen reiterated that the NFF would work intently with Chelle to present all the required assets and guarantee he has the liberty to make key selections for the workforce.
With Nigeria at present sitting in second place of their World Cup qualifying group, 4 factors behind leaders Rwanda, the stress is mounting for Chelle. A victory over Rwanda and Zimbabwe would put the Tremendous Eagles in a extra comfy place, however the street to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stays a troublesome one.
Eguavoen concluded, “We’ll work intently with him, present him with all of the assets he wants, and provides him the liberty to make his personal selections. However the actuality is that Nigeria wants to win each sport to safe a spot within the World Cup.”
As Nigeria’s World Cup hopes relaxation in Chelle’s palms, the subsequent few matches will likely be crucial for the Tremendous Eagles’ quest to attain the 2026 match, which will likely be collectively hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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