Eric Chelle, the new Super Eagles coach has been receiving jabs from Nigerians following his official appointment by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
Chelle, the former manager of Mali, was teased on social media over a humorous video involving The Eagles during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In the video, he was seen receiving water poured on his head during his team’s devastating loss in the AFCON 2023. During the quarterfinal of the tournament between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast, Chelle watched his side capitulate in the final moments of the match to throw away a 1-0 lead over the 10-man Ivorians.
Mali conceded goals in the 90th to force extra time and the 122nd minute to lose a game that they dominated, leaving Chelle despondent on the touchline. The clip, which circulated widely on social media, showed Chelle visibly distressed after his Malian team conceded a late goal to bow out of the tournament.
It is worth noting that the NFF finally named Eric Chelle as the replacement for former Super Eagles manager Finidi George after months of anticipation.
Chelle is set to assume leadership of the Super Eagles, taking over from interim coach Augustin Eguavoen, who stepped in after Finidi’s contentious exit following World Cup qualification challenges.
In their statement, NFF said, “The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, Super Eagles.”
They also added that Chelle would be ready to lead the Super Eagles for the next steps of their World Cup qualifying campaign starting in March.
The NFF’s excitement at Chelle’s appointment was, however, not shared by fans, who trooped to social media to question the appointment, with some pointing at the Malian’s loss of composure at the 2023 AFCON as a reason why he would be unfit to coach the Super Eagles.
Watch the video below:
Some reactions are shown below:
@UsmanTaoheed3 said, “This wan wey Dey do overheat 😂😭.”
@Bartezz10 said, “E never start work dem don dey pour water for him head. Shey this one go survive his position as head coach of Naija National Team like this ?”
@powerchibueze said, “Is funny until you are a coach and be in his position Pep guardiola can relate🥹🥹.”
@aka0DG said, “This country and Mr bean i no sabi who funny pass.”
@Emekafrank29 said, “lol 😂 true country never serious for this football thing.”