Soccer
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has expressed confidence in Eric Chelle’s ability to lead Nigeria’s national team to success, particularly in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Eric Chelle, who was appointed earlier this month, made history as the first-ever non-Nigerian African coach of the Super Eagles.
The former Mali national team coach and ex-Lens player’s appointment initially sparked mixed reactions, with many fans expecting the Nigeria Football Federation to hire a high-profile European tactician.
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However, support for Eric Chelle has been growing, with notable endorsements from Nigerian football legends such as Austin Okocha and current Valencia forward Umar Sadiq.
Adding his voice, former Besiktas goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has backed Chelle, emphasizing that the players’ cooperation will be vital to achieving success under the new coach.
“Chelle is a good coach,” Shorunmu told The Guardian.ng.
“The players need to be at their best to ensure that World Cup qualification and the 2025 AFCON objectives are achievable. The players are the ones who will make this happen. The coach’s job depends on the cooperation of everyone involved.”
Chelle’s immediate targets include securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup and leading the Super Eagles to a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title at AFCON 2025, scheduled for December in Morocco. Nigeria came close last year, reaching the final but losing to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
On Monday, the AFCON draw was held in Rabat, Morocco, with the Super Eagles placed in Group C alongside Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles, and Uganda’s Cranes.
Shorunmu remains optimistic but urged the players not to underestimate their opponents.
“The team has a lot of talent and experience, with many players having featured in the AFCON before,” the former Shooting Stars goalie added.
“The group stage shouldn’t be a problem if the players get their acts together. But after that, they need to give their all, just like they did in Côte d’Ivoire. They were unlucky to lose the final, but they must not underrate any team.”
Nigeria, a three-time AFCON champion (1980, 1994, 2013), will aim to end a 12-year wait for continental glory under Chelle’s guidance.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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