Eric Chelle Embarks on Supervisory Role with Super Eagles B in Preparation for 2024 CHAN Tournament
The newly appointed head coach of the Nigerian national football team, Eric Chelle, is set to commence his duties with the Super Eagles B team as they intensify their preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. Chelle, whose appointment as the 37th coach of the Super Eagles was officially announced a week prior, will be based in Ikenne, Ogun State, where the Super Eagles B team is currently holding its training camp. His primary role will be to oversee the team’s progress and guide their preparations for the upcoming tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1st to 28th.
Chelle’s arrival in Ikenne marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Super Eagles B team, who are determined to make a significant impact in the 2024 CHAN tournament. Nigeria has never won the competition, with their best performance being a third-place finish in the 2014 edition held in South Africa. They also reached the final in 2018, losing to hosts Morocco. The NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, emphasized Chelle’s supervisory role, highlighting the importance of his presence in providing support and guidance to the team. He also stated the expectation that Chelle would assess the players and identify potential candidates for the main Super Eagles squad.
The technical crew for the Super Eagles B team includes three assistant coaches who will be working closely with Chelle. Additionally, Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede and Rangers International counterpart Fidelis Ilechukwu, who successfully led Nigeria through the CHAN qualifiers, will continue to be part of the coaching setup. This collaborative approach aims to foster a synergistic environment where local expertise blends with Chelle’s international experience. The NFF president emphasized the significance of involving local coaches to facilitate a smooth integration process and ensure that Chelle gains a thorough understanding of the Nigerian football landscape.
Chelle’s mandate extends beyond the CHAN tournament. While his immediate focus is on preparing the Super Eagles B team, he is also tasked with identifying players who
