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Nigeria's new head coach, Eric Chelle, had a moment he will never forget at the 2023 AFCON
Incoming Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has received a proper ribbing from Nigerian fans after the announcement of his appointment by the Nigerian Football Federation.
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Chelle, who was formerly the manager of Mali, was teased on social media over a funny moment with The Eagles during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria appoint Chelle to replace Finidi
After several months of waiting, the NFF finally announced a replacement for ex-Super Eagles manager Finidi George, putting Chelle forward as their chosen one.
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Chelle will take over the stewardship of the Super Eagles from caretaker-coach Augustin Eguavoen, who has been in charge of the team since the acrimonious departure of Finidi following World Cup qualifying struggles.
The NFF in their statement said, “The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men national football team, Super Eagles.”
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They also added that Chelle would be ready to lead the Super Eagles for the next steps of their World Cup qualifying campaign starting in March.
Fans troll new appointment
The NFF’s excitement at Chelle’s appointment was, however, not shared by fans, who trooped to social media to question the appointment, with some pointing at the Malian’s loss of composure at the 2023 AFCON as a reason why he would be unfit to coach the Super Eagles.
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During the quarterfinal of the tournament between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast, Chelle watched his side capitulate in the final moments of the match to throw away a 1-0 lead over the 10-man Ivorians.
Mali conceded goals in the 90th to force extra time and the 122nd minute to lose a game that they dominated, leaving Chelle despondent on the touchline.
Following his appointment as the new boss of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the incident has resurfaced, as fans make light of the Malian’s struggles to hold his nerve in tough moments.
As head coach of the Super Eagles, Chelle is certain to face his fair share of nerve-racking moments, and fans will hope that he will be more adept at keeping his composure and blood pressure in check.
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