Eric Chelle, head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has reportedly caught the eye of Guinea’s football federation just weeks before World Cup qualifiers — www.isagoal.com reports. As Nigeria pushes to recover lost ground in Group C, interest from a rival nation could throw a wrench into their campaign.
According to Joueurs Guinea, Guinea has turned to Chelle after their top candidate, Paulo Duarte, hit a deadlock over contract demands. Duarte’s negotiations stalled due to wage concerns, prompting Guinea’s interim sports chief Sory Doumbouya to begin informal contact with Chelle, who is currently in Zanzibar with Nigeria’s home-based squad preparing for CHAN 2024.
Chelle’s reputation continues to grow after leading Mali to the AFCON 2023 quarterfinals and recently clinching the Unity Cup with Nigeria in London. “Chelle has shown calm authority and tactical clarity,” a source close to the team noted.
His time with both Nigeria’s A and B teams adds weight to Guinea’s pursuit, especially with qualifiers against Somalia and Algeria looming. Nigeria, meanwhile, is six points behind South Africa and faces must-win matches next month.
If Guinea finalizes a move, it could derail Nigeria’s World Cup hopes and shake up their CHAN ambitions.
This article was updated 6 hours ago