By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle claimed he didn’t lobby before getting the job, Prompt News reports.
Chelle’s appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, in January.
The Malian’s appointment was criticised by pundits and fans, who believed he didn’t have the experience and tactical acumen to led the three-time African champions.
“When I left the Malian team, there was a call for applications from the NFF, and so I applied like any other coach and then interview came,” he told CANAL +SPORT Afrique.
“I was invited to a coaches’ conference where I presented my project or my vision and philosophy. I thought it would happen much faster but due to some events, I had to wait, so I left. I left for Rouen, but then it’s true that I had this opportunity which I risk losing. So I returned. For this great project.”
Chelle also disclosed he was attracted by the vision of the NFF.
“In the final moments of negotiation, you felt their determination and that made me come,” he added.
“We were in discussions since before then. It took a while, but then it accelerated. It was very very fast, maybe that’s why it made a big buzz there, but no no no once again I was aligned on what I wanted to do.”
