Eric Chelle is not just thinking about today’s Super Eagles — he is dreaming big, reflecting deeply, and revealing unseen sacrifices from Africa’s biggest football stage.
In a revealing interview with RMC Sport, the Nigeria head coach opened up on his lifelong ambition, Victor Osimhen’s bravery at AFCON, and a frightening health scare he endured while coaching Mali at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
At the heart of the conversation was a bold dream — one Chelle says still fuels him.
“My dream is to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid.”
Beyond ambition, Chelle spoke with admiration about Victor Osimhen’s commitment to Nigeria, revealing that the striker played the entire AFCON tournament while injured.
“Osimhen arrived at the Africa Cup of Nations injured. He played the entire tournament with a minor hamstring injury,” Chelle said.
“He has an iron will. He wanted to help his country even if it meant risking his health.”
According to Chelle, Osimhen’s decision went beyond professionalism — it was an act of sacrifice few players would make.
“There are very few players who would agree to take the field in that condition.”
The interview also took an emotional turn as Chelle recalled a harrowing moment from AFCON 2023, when he was in charge of Mali. He revealed that he battled atrial fibrillation throughout the tournament.
“My heart was beating at 200 beats per minute constantly. I was dizzy, I fainted at times, but I went through the entire AFCON like that.”
One incident after a match nearly saw him collapse completely.
“I needed to catch my breath. I was fading, and the physio poured water on my head to keep me awake.”
The revelations offer a rare look into the hidden sacrifices behind Africa’s biggest football moments — from players risking their bodies to coaches pushing through serious health challenges.
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