Eric Chelle makes honest Nigeria admission, hails Alex Iwobi | OneFootball

Interview

Chelle speaks on Nigeria, Iwobi

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/ BackPagePix

Nigeria national team head coach Eric Chelle has made an honest admission regarding the Super Eagles and reserved special praise for midfielder Alex Iwobi.

The French-Malian tactician was lured from Algerian Ligue 1 outfit MC Oran in January 2025, succeeding Nigerian legend Finidi George in the hotseat.

Chelle has since revealed a long-standing emotional attachment to Nigeria, stating that he was an avid supporter of the three-time African champions, long before he took over the reins.

“When I took this job, the reality is that I was a fan of this national team since the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. I bought my jersey, every time I'd put it on, travel to watch the game, so I was a fan and every time this national team played I watched the games,” he said.

The 48-year-old mentor went on to heap praise on Fulham midfield maestro, Iwobi, who has been a vital cog for Nigeria in the heart of midfield in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“I didn't know this guy before because I watched his games in Fulham and national team. For me, he's a player that has an IQ, he's very good and some players want just to play football - they want to take some pleasure on the pitch, they want to play with other footballers who smell the football, who feel the football and Alex is a player like that,” Chelle added.

"You can tell him to run for one, two hours, he will do everything. But he's very happy when he plays with other footballers. So, I have a chance to have a group like that, everybody wants to play football, so for me it's more easy for that because I just try to put them in the best way, in the best game project - that's my job. But I'm very happy with what he did and what he will do, I'm so proud of him.

Nigeria will lock horns with host nation Morocco in the continental showpiece's semi-final at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium on Wednesday, 14 January (21h00).