Eric Chelle denies using connections to land Super Eagles job

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has dismissed claims suggesting he secured the job through personal connections.

Chelle was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to succeed Augustine Eguavoen, who had served as interim coach during the Super Eagles’ successful qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking in an interview with CANAL+ SPORT Afrique, Chelle clarified he followed the official recruitment process like any other candidate and earned the job based on merit.

“When I left the Malian team, there was a call for applications from the NFF, from the Nigerian Federation and so I applied like any other coach and then interview came,” Chelle explained.

He further revealed that he was invited to present his coaching blueprint during a conference organised by the NFF.

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“I was invited to a coaches’ conference where I presented my project or my vision and philosophy. I thought it would happen much faster but due to some events, I had to wait, so I left. I left for Rouen, but then it’s true that I had this opportunity which I risk losing. So I returned. For this great project,” he said.

Chelle also highlighted the decisive role the NFF’s commitment played in finalizing his appointment.

“In the final moments of negotiation, you felt their determination and that made me come,” he added.

“We were in discussions since before then. It took a while, but then it accelerated. It was very very fast, maybe that’s why it made a big buzz there, but no no no once again I was aligned on what I wanted to do.”