Super Eagles boss Chelle targets AFCON, World Cup glory with Nigeria – “I’ll do everything”

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that his biggest ambition with Nigeria is to win the Africa Cup of Nations and lift the FIFA World Cup, Afrik-Foot reports.

Chelle was appointed in January 2025 with the clear objectives to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup and lead the team to the final of AFCON 2025.

Although the Super Eagles remained unbeaten in regulation time during his first year in charge, Nigeria failed to secure either automatic qualification or a playoff ticket for the World Cup.

At AFCON 2025 in Morocco, however, the team showed progress. Nigeria reached the semi-finals before losing on penalties to the host nation, eventually finishing third and winning the bronze medal.

Speaking on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle admitted he felt sorry for Nigerians after missing those major targets.

“First of all, I would like to apologise to them (Nigerians) because we did not win the Africa Cup of Nations. It was very cruel.

“Yes, it was cruel. The truth is, we didn’t win — we missed something. Now, it’s true that we showed many good things and also some things that were not as good. The reality is that we finished third and didn’t win. First, I want to apologise to the people and to the country of Nigeria.

“But I think they saw that this team gave everything. I believe they saw that when I speak about the staff, I mean the technical staff, the medical staff, and everyone working around this team – we truly gave everything.”

The Franco-Malian coach also thanked Nigerians for their continued support despite criticism online.

“We are preparing, we are continuing to work to help this team improve and to ensure it progresses in terms of results.

“I also want to thank them for the support they give this team. They support me a lot too, because people keep talking about one person who posted a tweet saying I was holding everyone hostage and blackmailing people – but we are talking about just one individual.

“Nigeria has 250 million inhabitants, and the feedback I receive tells me that people are happy with my work and encourage me to continue in this direction.

“I want to thank them for that. I am currently the head coach of Nigeria, and I will do everything possible to make them proud of this team.”

Super Eagles: Chelle sets new AFCON and World Cup dream

With less than a year remaining on his contract, Chelle is in talks with the Nigeria Football Federation towards staying with the Super Eagles beyond his current due date. The Franco-Malian coach has now set fresh targets for the Super Eagles, beginning with the next AFCON tournament scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The 48-year-old says his ambition goes beyond short-term results, insisting he still has big dreams in football.

“I have a structure around me to try to progress as a coach. It is true that not long ago, I said that my dream was to be the first African at Real Madrid,” Chelle said.

“But that is not my only dream. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.”If we had gone through, I wanted to qualify for the World Cup with Nigeria, and I even wanted to win that World Cup.

“I have lots of dreams. I am 48 years old but still young and someone who wants to realise his dreams.”

Chelle’s immediate assignment is to lead the Super Eagles to face Jordan and Iran in a four-nation invitational tournament next month.