Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed his admiration for Nigerian football icons, naming Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel among ten players whose playing styles he greatly respects.  

Speaking during his official unveiling in Abuja on Monday, the Franco-Malian tactician praised Nigeria's rich football history and acknowledged the influence of past legends on the game.  

"This is an amazing job for him. I am so proud. Nigeria has a great and rich history," Chelle said to reporters.   

Chelle, who included John Obi Mikel among the ten Nigerian football icons he admires, believes these players have greatly inspired the current generation of footballers.  

"Ikpeba, Amokachi, Amuneke, Yekini, Sunday Oliseh, Eguavoen, Finidi, Taribo West, Obi Mikel, and I forgot Babaginda, I was a fan," he said.  

"And now with this new generation with Lookman, Osimhen, and the others," he added.  

Chelle, who expressed excitement about leading the Nigerian national team, described the country as "the best nation in Africa" and emphasized his ambition to help the Super Eagles return to their dominant form.  

"I jump at this opportunity to coach the most nation black populace in the world, for me the best nation in Africa. I believe our Super Eagles can qualify for the World Cup," he declared.  

Chelle's immediate focus will be on guiding Nigeria through the challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in their group with three points, trailing leaders Rwanda by four points.  

Nigeria will face crucial fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025, as Chelle works to revive the team's hope of qualifying for the prestigious tournament in Canada, the USA, and Mexico.  

Adeyemi Adewale

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