Following the Nigeria Super Eagles qualification for the 2026 World Cup playoffs Malian football fans are reportedly expressing regret over the earlier dismissal of coach Eric Chelle who now leads the Nigerian national team This article explores the context of his move his tenure in Mali and the contrasting fortunes of the two West African giants .
The unpredictable theatre of African football has provided yet another dramatic twist this time involving the fortunes of two West African nations Mali and Nigeria Following the Super Eagles success in reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle reports from Bamako indicate a palpable sense of regret among Malian football fans and notably a section of the football establishment over the decision to sack the coach just months prior .
The Journey to Lagos Chelles Transition to the Super Eagles
Eric Sékou Chelle a Franco-Malian former international for the Eagles of Mali was appointed as the head coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles in early 2025 His appointment came at a critical juncture for Nigeria World Cup qualification campaign which had struggled with a string of inconsistent results Chelle mandate was clear steer the Super Eagles to the 2026 World Cup finals .
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The decision by the Nigeria Football Federation NFF to hire a coach recently dismissed by a continental rival even one with Chelle credentials was met with initial scepticism from a section of the Nigerian public However his strong record in his former post which included leading Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON in Côte dIvoire provided a clear testament to his capabilities .
A Bitter Pill Eric Chelle Tenure in Mali
Chelle two-year reign with the Malian national team from May 2022 to June 2024 was largely considered successful marked by an impressive win rate and a commitment to attacking football Under his watch the Aigles Eagles delivered a memorable 2023 AFCON performance topping a group that included eventual semi-finalists South Africa before being eliminated in the last minutes of extra time by the hosts Côte dIvoire .
Despite this success his collaboration with the Malian Football Federation FEMAFOOT was terminated in June 2024 The official statement provided no specific reason but his dismissal followed a disappointing run in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers which included a defeat to Ghana and a goalless draw against a 10-man Madagascar Reports at the time suggested a deeper clash between the coach non-interference policy in team selection and the preferences of the FA leading to his eventual exit .
The Super Eagles Revival and Playoff Spot
Since taking over the Nigerian side Chelle has faced immense pressure The Super Eagles campaign was precarious with crucial points dropped early on Yet under his renewed focus on tactical discipline the team managed to secure a sequence of vital wins including a crucial victory over Lesotho which ultimately guaranteed their spot in the final playoff round for the 2026 World Cup .
The Super Eagles resurgence even while facing internal pressure and criticism from some fans over tactics and team selections represents a marked improvement on their earlier form Their qualification for the playoffs keeps their World Cup dream alive and provides a powerful contrast to the struggles now being faced by the Malian team .
The Echoes of Regret in Bamako
The sight of their former coach achieving success with a rival has reportedly sparked a wave of introspection and regret among Malian supporters Social media platforms and local sports discussions have become arenas for fans to lament the perceived shortsightedness of FEMAFOOT The central argument revolves around the idea that Chelle dismissal based on what some considered minor setbacks in an otherwise promising tenure was a mistake that cost Mali a coach capable of leading them to World Cup contention .
Fans point to his impressive overall record and the quality of football displayed during the AFCON as evidence that he was the right man for the job His departure to Nigeria a nation with a grander football history and greater resources has amplified the disappointment suggesting that Mali handed a valuable asset to a direct continental competitor just as the critical World Cup qualification stages were heating up .
Looking Ahead
For Eric Chelle the immediate future is focused on navigating the Super Eagles through the perilous final World Cup playoffs a challenge he has described as the most important game of my career For Mali the focus shifts to regrouping under new leadership and attempting to salvage their own qualification campaign while watching their former leader pursue the global stage with their West African neighbours The narrative serves as a stark reminder in football management impatience can often be a costly virtue .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning football management and fan reactions Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets and respective national football federations .