Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Reveals Real Madrid Ambition, Names Osimhen as First Target
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has openly declared his ambition to one day manage Spanish football giants Real Madrid. The 48-year-old Franco-Malian coach, who currently leads the Nigerian national team, made this revelation during a recent interview with RMC, highlighting his long-term career aspirations in elite European football.
Chelle's Coaching Journey and Current Role
Eric Chelle was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in January 2025, taking charge of the Super Eagles after managing club sides in France and Algeria, as well as other national teams across Africa. His appointment came six months after his tenure with Algerian side MC Oran, with the NFF tasking him with steering Nigeria to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following struggles in their opening matches under previous coaches Jose Peseiro and Finidi George.
Under Chelle's leadership, the Super Eagles recorded six wins and two draws in their qualification campaign but narrowly missed out on the sole automatic qualification spot in CAF Group C, finishing second behind South Africa. Nigeria's hopes for World Cup qualification were ultimately dashed after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the playoffs.
The Real Madrid Dream and Osimhen Connection
In his interview with RMC, Chelle specifically mentioned Real Madrid as the club he aspires to manage, stating: "My biggest dream is to become Real Madrid's first-ever African coach." The Super Eagles coach went further to identify his first potential signing should he secure the prestigious position at the Bernabeu, naming Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen as his primary target.
This revelation comes at a time when Real Madrid are currently positioned second in the 2025/26 La Liga season with 57 points, under the management of Alvaro Arbeola following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. Chelle's ambition represents a significant career goal that would make history in European football management.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerian Football Fans
Following Chelle's declaration, Nigerian football fans have expressed varied opinions about his Real Madrid ambition. Some supporters have shown confidence in his capabilities, while others have questioned the timing of such aspirations given his current responsibilities with the Super Eagles.
Supportive voices included:
- @dreyfootytalk commented: "He has the charisma and the attitude to achieve his goal... He's done well with the Nigeria national team."
Critical perspectives emerged as well:
- @OmonibekeP26371 wrote: "Who can't qualify Nigeria for a World Cup or win the AFCON is dreaming of Madrid. He better wake up from that sleep... he thinks you just suddenly coach Madrid without merit."
- @DeDinzy007 added: "Win 2 AFCON's and a World Cup for the Super Eagles and your dream will come to pass."
- @MadridCygnus stated: "First win the World Cup then let's have a conversation."
Chelle's Recent Achievements and Challenges
Eric Chelle recently led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, defeating Egypt in the third-place match. While this achievement demonstrates progress, it falls short of the continental championship that many Nigerian football enthusiasts expect from their national team.
The coach's Real Madrid ambition comes amidst a period of transition at the Spanish club, following Zinedine Zidane's recent departure after failing to secure any trophies in the 2024-25 season. This marks the second time Zidane has stepped down from the Real Madrid coaching position, creating speculation about future managerial appointments at the club.
As Eric Chelle continues his work with the Super Eagles, his declaration about Real Madrid has sparked conversations about African representation in top European football management and the career trajectories of coaches developing their credentials on the continent before aiming for elite European positions.
