The Super Eagles are nearing a state of self-sufficiency and are poised for significant achievements under the current coaching staff led by Franco-Malian coach Éric Chelle, according to Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation.
Gusau believes that the Super Eagles have made a positive turnaround following their disappointing failure to qualify for consecutive FIFA World Cups, especially after their third-place finish at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations.
“When we arrived in Morocco late last year, our goal was to win the AFCON trophy and become Africa’s champions. Although we ended up in third place and received bronze medals, I take joy in the way our team performed.
“They played with enthusiasm and patriotism, demonstrating resilience and character.
“I must express gratitude for the tremendous support and motivation we received from the federal government through the National Sports Commission.
“Without the backing of President Bola Tinubu, and the government as a whole, we wouldn’t have achieved anything.
“The NFF is proud of the team’s performance and will continue to do everything possible to support and motivate them moving forward.
“Mr. Chelle, as the head of our dedicated technical team, has excelled in the year he has been with us, showcasing remarkable capability, and we will keep collaborating with him,” the NFF president said.
Gusau’s assessment of the 48-year-old coach comes amid growing calls for Nigeria to retain the manager, who was appointed in January last year during a struggling FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
In the year since, Chelle has led Nigeria’s ‘A’ team in 17 competitive matches without a loss.
From a seemingly hopeless situation, he guided the Eagles to a chance for World Cup qualification on the final day of the series, ultimately securing a playoff spot.
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Although their progress was halted in a penalty shootout, which also prevented a final appearance at the AFCON, the team successfully clinched a 9th AFCON bronze medal at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday.
“If you coach Nigeria, you must win everything,” Chelle remarked pragmatically to CAFonline two months ago.
This understanding and philosophy continue to shape his approach, resulting in 11 wins and 6 draws in 17 competitive matches.
In Morocco, Chelle led Nigeria to its highest-ever tally of 14 goals in a single AFCON, with the team remaining unbeaten in regulation time across all seven matches, displaying skill and determination against other continental powerhouses like Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
