'I know Eric Chelle' - Rohr warns Super Eagles coach he faces uphill battle to lead Nigeria to World Cup
Published: January 22, 2025
Gernot Rohr, the experienced German football coach, has sent his best wishes to Eric Sékou Chelle on his appointment as the head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles.
However, Rohr cautioned that Chelle faces a daunting task in securing the team’s qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Rohr, who led the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, is well-acquainted with the challenges of coaching Nigeria.
Speaking to The Nation, the 71-year-old congratulated Chelle but highlighted the uphill battle that awaits him.
"Of course, I know Eric Sékou Chelle is now with Nigeria and good luck to him,” Rohr remarked.
“It’s not going to be easy (for Chelle) to qualify for the World Cup of course. But of course, everything is still possible.”
The Super Eagles are currently in a precarious position in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
With just three points from four games in Group C, they sit in fifth place, behind South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin with seven points each, Lesotho with five points, and ahead of Zimbabwe, who have one point.
Chelle, a Franco-Malian coach, is tasked with navigating this challenging situation.
At 47 years old, he brings experience from managing lower-division French clubs such as Athlético Marseille, Martigues, and Boulogne-sur-Mer, along with stints at Mali and Algeria's Mouloudia Club d’Oran.
Despite his experience, critics have questioned his suitability for such a high-pressure role.
For Chelle, the immediate focus remains on revitalizing the Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign.
While the road ahead is steep, he is determined to rise to the challenge and restore Nigeria’s footballing pride on the global stage.
Wale Adejumo
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Done deal: Super Falcons-eligible goalkeeper returns to Portsmouth after release by Brighton
- Super Falcons player ratings: Demehin, Ohale star women; Okoronkwo outstanding; Ajibade pulls the strings
- Wafcon Nigeria 5 Zambia 0: Five observations from Super Falcons' statement win v Copper Queens
- Nigeria 5 Zambia 0: Ohale, Okoronkwo, Ihezuo, Demehin, Ijamilusi find the net in statement win
- Chido Obi named in travelling squad for Man Utd's pre-season fixture against Leeds United
- Super Eagles 2 Ojodu City 0: Bankole and Ijeoma on target for Eric Chelle's team in friendly
- Official: Outfielder-turned-GK signs new Arsenal contract; eligible for Nigeria, Ghana, England
- Rangers include two Nigerians in squad for UEFA Champions League second round qualifier
- Banda, Chanda and more: Four Zambian players Super Falcons must silence in Wafcon clash
- Son of Arsenal legend who faced Nigeria three times at Afcon inks new contract with Chelsea


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- VT88
- VT88
- keo nha cai
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- okvip
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- F168
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88