Eric Chelle: Super Eagles coach eyes Real Madrid job

Soccer

Soccer Eric Chelle: Super Eagles coach eyes Real Madrid job

Coach Eric Chelle of Super Eagles during the AFCON 2025 Copyright: IMAGOxshengolpixsx

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has declared his desire to coach Spanish giants Real Madrid in the future, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Chelle has been in charge of the Super Eagles since the turn of last year, and it has been a decent run for him so far.

​The Franco-Malian tactician has been able to introduce a unique style of play that has seen most of the regulars thrive and produce some solid performances.

Soccer Coach Eric Chelle and Wilfred Ndidi during the AFCON game between Super Eagles and Tunisia
Coach Eric Chelle and Wilfred Ndidi during the AFCON game between Super Eagles and Tunisia. (Photo by ImagoxGani Yusuf)

​Although he could not guide the team to a 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs spot, he led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

​In fact, according to legends of the game like Yaya Toure, the Super Eagles played the best brand of football in the competition and were unlucky to lose their penalty shootout against Morocco in the semis.

​Following that performance, the 48-year-old coach has been linked with multiple coaching jobs on the continent, but he has now revealed the number one job on his list.

Soccer Coach Eric Chelle the Super Eagles of Nigeria
Coach Eric Chelle the Super Eagles of Nigeria Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan

​In a recent interview on Monday, Eric Chelle revealed his ambition to lead the Spanish giants in the future.

​”My biggest dream is to become Real Madrid’s first-ever African coach,” he said in a recent interview.

​Chelle has lofty dreams, as few African coaches get the opportunity to lead top-tier teams in Europe.

​Real Madrid are arguably the biggest club in the world and have been led by some of the most decorated managers in football history.

​For Chelle to land the Real Madrid job, it would likely require time and several major career milestones.

Soccer Eric Chelle after the Nigeria Football Federation unveiled the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles
Eric Chelle after the Nigeria Football Federation unveiled the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, (photo by Imago)

​In the meantime, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will be monitoring the Franco-Malian’s situation closely.

Given his performances, they will be desperate to keep him for longer, but with his contract running until next year, they must move quickly to secure his future.

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Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.

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