Éric Sékou Chelle: “When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything.”

• Since taking charge in March 2025, Chelle has transformed the Super Eagles: 6 matches, 4 wins, 2 draws — 14 points from a possible 18, compared with just 2 points before his arrival in FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying.

• The former Mali head coach led the Eagles to the quarter-finals of the last TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

• In an exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com, he sets out his ambition for Nigeria, explains how he manages a star-studded attack, and outlines a people-first philosophy built on respect and cohesion.

Éric Sékou Chelle has not come to make up the numbers. Since stepping in as Nigeria coach in March 2025, he has revived the Super Eagles: four wins and two draws from six games, 14 points from 18 and a place in November’s World Cup 2026™ African play-offs — a thunderbolt for a team seeking direction. Before landing in Abuja, the Malian tactician had already shown his touch with Mali, whom he guided to the quarter-finals of the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. In this exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com, Chelle opens up. Between tactical rigour, the management of a world-class forward line and a human approach anchored in respect and unity, his ambition is unmistakable: return Nigeria to the summit of African football.

CAFOnline.com: Simply hearing that Éric Sékou Chelle now leads Nigeria — what does that stir in you?

Éric Sékou Chelle: It’s something huge. Nigeria is a massive team — arguably the best in Africa in sporting terms and aura, in many respects. For me, it’s a great source of pride. As I’ve often said, it feels like a World Cup for me. It’s an iconic national side. It resonates even more because I was genuinely a supporter of this team. I remember the 1998 World Cup in France: they had a fantastic side. I even bought Nigeria shirts. For me, it’s a deep pride — beyond words.

CAFOnline.com: You are Malian by origin but now head coach of an African giant. What does that cultural crossing mean to you?

Chelle: As I often say, it’s my DNA. Looking back on my career, this goes beyond football. Coming to coach in Africa, taking that step, it’s more than sport. I use football to carry a message: that everyone can live together. It’s not about origin or religion; it’s about respect for the individual. Yes, it made waves that a Malian is in charge of Nigeria, but I’m simply trying to do my job with humility and respect. I arrived as someone who is 50% Malian, 50% French. But today I am in Nigeria; I consider myself Nigerian and I’m ready to give everything for this team and country. I’m focused on respecting each person and moving forward carefully with clear personal goals.

CAFOnline.com: What surprised you most when you entered the “Naija family”?

Chelle: First, the sheer scale! It’s a very passionate country that loves football and knows the game well. There are 230 million Nigerians — which means 230 million coaches, journalists and decision-makers! Expectations are high and the pressure is intense. The fans are very emotional and react quickly — that can be great, but also risky. I had to adapt fast, create a bubble around myself to stay focused on my objectives. I’ve been off social media for a while, so I avoid the noise and concentrate on work with my technical staff. We’re moving step by step. We haven’t achieved anything yet; we’ve climbed one step and are working on the next.

CAFOnline.com: Which word best defines Nigeria’s mindset before the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 — revenge, ambition or calm?

Chelle: I’m not sure one word is enough. At the draw I spoke of a “revenge-minded” team, but really the mindset is broader. In national-team football, mentality is everything because time on the grass is limited. Camps are short, so we must anchor that shared mindset — it becomes the cement for every performance factor. I shared my own definition of that mindset with the players, and I think they’re taking it on board. It’s not only tactics or technique; it’s about values. And this team is starting to identify with those values.

CAFOnline.com: The Super Eagles are in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania. What’s your read on the group?

Chelle: At AFCON there are no small teams. It’s a festival and every nation arrives with a real chance. These teams want to show their progress and their footballing vision. Given our history, our quality of play and the calibre of past and present players, we must deliver a great AFCON. It’s a tough group: Tunisia have had an excellent year; Uganda are improving fast under Paul Put; Tanzania’s domestic league is competitive. We’ll have to be very serious and trust our mindset.

CAFOnline.com: Osimhen, Lookman, Boniface… Nigeria’s attacking depth is remarkable. How do you manage that wealth?

Chelle: There are at least 25 players who could play across the frontline — more than a full team. We try to manage it carefully. We’ve built a player-tracking system: we monitor around 80 players every week — roughly 80 matches to watch. Selection comes down to several criteria: first, are you playing for your club; second, are you performing; third, do you fit our tactical framework. Sometimes the tactical criterion wins. For example, Ademola Lookman hadn’t played much for Atalanta early in the season, but I couldn’t name a squad without the African Player of the Year. He can change a game in 15 minutes. Picking 25 is never easy — in Nigeria it’s even harder — which is why we work so hard.

CAFOnline.com: Nigeria have not lifted the AFCON since 2013. How do you handle the public pressure that comes with that wait?

Chelle: As I said, I created a bubble. I stay focused on my goals. Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches (note: against Gabon on 13 November and, if successful, the final on 16 November). If we win the first, we’ll aim for the second, then turn to AFCON. We’re working in parallel, but our mindset must first be on those immediate tests. When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything. But we proceed with humility, with a smile and a will to work. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated and united, nothing is impossible.

CAFOnline.com: What exactly is Nigeria’s objective for this AFCON?

Chelle: Of course we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON. My last — and first — AFCON was a fantastic experience. I think Morocco will be a great tournament, too. The players feel the same. Since March we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar. We’ll be ready mentally and in our collective mindset. If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult. But there are big teams: Morocco are favourites, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire… nations in top form. Our strength is that the players have suffered, then found a way through. That can really hurt opponents.

CAFOnline.com: What headline would you like to read after AFCON?

Chelle: Nigeria, champions of Africa.