Despite the general condemnation, Chelle insists he is best for the Eagles as Alloy Agu backs his appointment

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, believes he has what it takes to achieve success with the team. Despite skepticism that has greeted his appointment.

Football fans in Nigeria believed he did not have the experience and expertise to tinker with the Super Eagles.

The former defender guided Mali to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where they lost 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter-final.

The 47-year-old also recently managed the Algerian club, MC Oran.

Chelle declared that he is the right man for one of the biggest coaching jobs in Africa.

“Already, there are a lot of people who say that I don’t have much experience. But ultimately, I do have experience. I ended my career in 2014, and I’ve been coaching since that year,” he declared in an interview with matinlibre.com.

“I coached a team, let’s say, from West Africa (Mali) not long ago. I coached a team in Algeria, the Mouloudia Club d’Oran.

” So, I’m starting to get to know African football well. Today, I feel ready to lead this great team with great players. So, I’m part of the progression process; the players will help me progress, and I will help them progress too. Because I have a vision of football that will fit well with this team.”

Chelle has been saddled with the task of helping the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His first official game in charge of the West Africans will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda in March.

Meanwhile, 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner Alloy Agu has shared his thoughts on the appointment of Chelle.

“I am delighted that the NFF has appointed a new coach Eric Chelle to manage the Super Eagles. Many may doubt Chelle, but the NFF must have their reasons for his appointment, and I believe he will succeed with the senior national team if given the free hand to operate.

“Impossible is nothing when it comes to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With the right attitude from the players and coaches, I feel very optimistic that Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup.

 “We just need to show him support and provide information where necessary; that will help the team improve.”

Nigeria currently trails Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho in their qualifying group, with only the group winners guaranteed a ticket to the Mundial.

The next round of qualifiers will take place in March, with the Super Eagles set to face Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Uyo, Nigeria.

Wins in both fixtures could revive Nigeria’s qualification hopes and put them back on course for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.