Eric Sekou Chelle spoke to former Green Eagles Player – Segun Odegbami – Mathematical Odegbami.
Chelle talked about the rigorous process involved in his recruitment, adding that it was exciting to have been appointed as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, eulogizing the team as one of the best in the world.
He further revealed that from the off, he knew the job was difficult, but he and his crew were keen to do the job.
Coach Chelle admitted that his team has gotten better, game after game.
During the Unity Games, which happened outside the FIFA WINDOW. The NFF found it arduous to retrieve their players from their respective clubs. It was then that the NFF President hinted at the availability of Benjamin Fredericks, and then extended invitation to join the team.
Chelle revealed that he was astonished by the work rate and intensity of Fredericks in training, which is why he gave him his debut, and also talked about a few other players he has given a chance in the team.
LEADERSHIP GROUP
Coach Chelle disclosed that centre back Williams Troost Ekong remains his skipper, but lifted the lid on the core of his leadership group, quelling rumours or narratives of the Vice Captain role of Wilfred Ndidi.
He stated that there is a 4/5 leadership group he expresses his feelings to, whether good or bad, he talks to them first, and it includes his Captain Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simona and Victor Osimhen. He maintained that for now, Ekong remains the captain, but stopped short of stating for how long that would be the case.
Chelle said without showing lack of respect for our league, there is a structural problem with the NPFL.
He cited the presence of sports facilities at nooks and crannies of places like Algeria, Tunisia, invariably suggesting that it’s not the case in Nigeria.
Chelle is saying that we have to create a FOOTBALL IDENTITY for Nigerian football.
Calling for collaboration between the coaches in Nigeria’s domestic League. He admitted that it’s not just about him, it’s about everyone.
Chelle is already in Portugal, revealing that he watched Marseille’s last game, basically to watch the Panthers Star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He praised the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona forward, showing a technical know-how of the names of the players in the Gabon team.
He described the game against the Panthers as a final, saying they are focused, expressing optimism that the Super Eagles will win it.
Chelle made a striking revelation that he and his crew are following over 500 Nigerian Players across the world.
Chelle said they follow 80 Players per week.
The Coach doubled down on the knowledge most of us already have, which is that his phone has kept buzzing with messages and requests to watch this player or that player that is playing in this league, or that league.
He said at the end of the day, he will only field 11, highlighting the difficulties and complexities confronting our national team coaches.
Chelle has defended Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, saying he does not want a nice guy in his post. Referencing a teammate of his, who was a goalkeeper, one he described as crazy.
He said he will speak to him, to be calm at times.
Chelle says he has a fine relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
He says there is a mutual respect between him and the NFF, classifying the relationship as basically “work related”.
He said, he is basically keen on giving everything for the team. According to him, sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not, which he said is normal when there are so many emotions.
Chelle refused to reveal if he is being owed, he told Mathematical Odegbami to ask the NFF, describing the NFF as his boss, and whatever discussions he has with them, remains between them.
Chelle has described the Nigerian Media as PROFESSIONAL.
Chelle says Nigeria is a nice place to live in. Describing Nigeria as a free country because of its diversity and religious varieties.
He says, the Journalists sometimes focus on what happens on the pitch. Chelle says he does not have social media, and does not watch TVs. He says he prefers to watch matches.
Coach Chelle says that he has a psychologist in his crew. He says he wants his team to have character and fighting spirit and that he wants soldiers on the pitch.
Describing the route to the World Cup is tough, and requires some level of fighting. He expressed his commitment to helping the team challenge, character wise, revealing that he wants them to be bullish.
Using animals like sharks and bulls to describe the character he wishes his team to have.
WISDOM THOMAS KALU:
