January, 11 2025.
Eric Chelle has officially bid farewell to MC Oran after guiding the team to a 1-0 victory over ESM Sétif in the Algerian Cup, as he gets set for his unveiling as the coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
In what turned out to be his final game in charge, Chelle expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the club, its supporters, and the city of Oran.
In an exclusive scoop by www.ckdmedia.ng, Chelle said, “This is my last match, and I will be in Nigeria on Sunday ,” Chelle confirmed. “MC Oran officials wanted me to stay, but I cannot refuse the opportunity to coach Nigeria—Africa’s best team and one of the best in the world. I deeply thank the supporters of Al Hamrawa, the people of Oran, and Algerians. Al Hamrawa will always have a special place in my heart.”
Chelle, who helped MC Oran secure an important victory in his farewell game, is now set to jet off to Abuja, where he will be officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles on Sunday .
His appointment is seen as a significant step forward for Nigeria as they aim to solidify their dominance on the African football scene and beyond.
The 47-year-old, who makes history as the first non-Nigerian African to assume the role of Super Eagles head coach, gained the attention of his new employers when he led Mali to a rare victory over Nigeria last year. After missing out on the last edition of the World Cup in Qatar, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has tasked Chelle with reaching next year's tournament.
Despite having only managed in the French lower divisions, Chelle next made the step up to international football.
Mali appointed him to take charge in May in 2022 - ahead of former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr and ex-Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer. Mali impressed in qualifying for the 2023 AFCON, losing just one game and finishing as the second-highest scorers with 13 goals.
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