The popular Nigerian journalist raves about new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle after his unveiling.
Nigerian journalist Tunde Young has praised the newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, spotlighting his appeal as not only a tactician but also as the best-looking manager in Nigeria's football history.
Young, an analyst for Pulse Sports Nigeria, shared his thoughts during a recent episode of the Crossfire show following Chelle's unveiling by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday.
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The ceremony, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, was attended by NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who expressed confidence in Chelle's abilities.
Gusau emphasised the need for unity among Nigerians to support the new coach as he embarks on his mission to revitalise the Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle has signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year if he successfully leads the team to the World Cup.
Young humorously remarked on Chelle's looks, stating, “Eric Chelle is arguably our best-looking manager of all time. At least even if we are losing, we can be looking at the fine face.”
He acknowledged Chelle's previous success with the Malian national team and expressed optimism about his potential impact on Nigerian football.
Young stated that he prefers to give Chelle a chance to prove himself rather than predict failure prematurely.
“Chelle did a good job with the Malian national team, that’s where his claim to fame comes from. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt until they fail, then, I’ll say ‘Okay, you’ve failed’,” he stated.
Chelle’s appointment is historic as he becomes the first non-Nigerian African to manage the Super Eagles. Young noted that while there may be mixed reactions from fans regarding his credentials, he is choosing to remain positive about Chelle's leadership and its effect on team morale.
“I’m not going to be ignorantly attacking a man and predicting that he’s going to fail. Of what benefit is that to me as a Nigerian? I want him to succeed,” he added.
“I don’t know how exactly it rubs off on the players, I don’t know if they are excited about it or he’s someone they are eager to work with. I am choosing the stay on the positive side.”
Young and other Super Eagles supporters are hopeful that his fresh perspective will help restore the team's former glory. The NFF and Nigerians are keen to see how this new dawn under Chelle's guidance unfolds.