Photo credit: X.
Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo has added his voice to the appointment of Frenchman, Eric Sekou Chelle as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
The Nigeria Football Federation last Tuesday announced the appointment of the former Mali national team trainer and later on Monday, December 13 unveiled him to a sizeable crowd at the MKO Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Born in Ivory Coast to a French Father and a Malian mother, Eric Chelle signed a two-year contract with the Super Eagles and will steer them in the 2026 FIFA World Cup which resumes in March this year
Omeruo, who plays for Turkey Super Ligue side Kasimpasa, expressed a strong belief in Chelle’s capabilities. Speaking during a live session on X (formerly Twitter), hosted by himself and fellow Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, Omeruo praised Chelle’s tactical organization and strategy.
He referenced Mali’s strong performances in the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosted and won by Ivory Coast, as evidence of Chelle’s capabilities.
“Everyone has to be serious now,” Omeruo said. “It’s like an open trial because some of us haven’t been playing regularly. We have to show the manager that we deserve a place in the team if invited.”
“Judging from the way the Malian team played not just in friendlies but also at AFCON you can see an organized structure.
“I think he has something to give to the team. With the level of talent in the Super Eagles, he wouldn’t have any problem to make us play the way he wants us to play.”
Omeruo expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ potential, emphasizing the confidence instilled by former interim coach Austin Eguavoen during his tenure.
“Kudos to Eguavoen for those games (AFCON qualifiers). “When he took over, our confidence was low, but he helped us get it back. Now, when we are at our best, no country can stand against the Super Eagles.”
Eguavoen successfully qualified the three time African champions to the next AFCON in Morocco after taking up temporary charge in August 2024. Chelle will officially begin his work in March when the 2026 World Cup qualification series resumes.
The Super Eagles are faced with a mountainous challenge, sitting fifth in their group with just three points from four matches. They will face Rwanda on March 17, followed by a home fixture against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 24.
Comments