Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has dropped a bombshell — and it’s hitting hard across football circles.
Fresh off guiding Nigeria to a respectable third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON, the 48-year-old tactician shut down rumors linking him to a possible return to the Mali national team. His reason? Deep, personal humiliation.
When asked if he would ever consider coaching Mali again, Chelle didn’t sugarcoat it. He revealed that despite Mali being his maternal homeland, his experience with the team ended in embarrassment played out on a global stage.
“I was humiliated in front of the whole world,” he said bluntly.
The admission stunned reporters, especially given his emotional connection to the country. But Chelle made it clear that some wounds don’t heal — even when home is involved.
With his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation set to expire after the AFCON campaign, speculation around his next move is heating up. Still, one door appears firmly shut.
For Chelle, the message is loud and clear: loyalty has limits, and respect matters more than sentiment.