Chelle: My aspiration is to be the first African coach of Real Madrid

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle expresses that his foremost aspiration is to create history at Real Madrid as the first African manager.

Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed his desire to become the first African to manage the prestigious Spanish club, Real Madrid. He also addressed a tense incident involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In an interview with Paris-based French broadcaster, RMC Sport, Chelle expressed unequivocally: “My biggest dream?” To achieve the distinction of being Real Madrid’s inaugural African coach.

The 48-year-old Franco-Malian coach assumed leadership of Nigeria in January 2025 following the Super Eagles’ rocky start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying journey. Despite Nigeria not obtaining a World Cup ticket, Chelle led the team into the African playoffs as one of the top second-placed teams. The Eagles eventually lost to DR Congo in a penalty shootout in Morocco, while Nigeria’s petition over the eligibility of five dual-nationality players used by DR Congo is still before FIFA.

Chelle’s reputation, however, soared after he guided Nigeria to the semi-finals of AFCON 2025, maintaining an unbeaten record in regulation time. The Super Eagles went on to claim bronze after defeating Egypt in the third-place playoff.

Since the tournament, Chelle has garnered interest from multiple countries, enhancing his coaching profile that started with the French amateur team, Groupe Sportif Consolat, in 2014. He served as the manager of Mali from 2022 to 2024.

During the same interview, Chelle discussed the rumors regarding a tense confrontation between Osimhen and Lookman in Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against Mozambique.

“There was a conversation with Lookman on the pitch.” Victor said to him, ‘We must cease our antics in front of the goal.’ Chelle disclosed, “Things got a bit intense, a small disagreement, but that’s just how locker room life goes.”

He went on to say, “After the match concluded, he (Osimhen) returned home feeling upset; he required some time to settle his emotions.” Once he did, he transformed back into the Victor we recognize once more.

“There was absolutely no doubt about him playing against Algeria (AFCON quarterfinal), none whatsoever.”

“What occurs in the locker room remains in the locker room.” I found no need to step in. We returned to the hotel, discussed it, and that was the end of it.

“In front of the goal, those two players are exceptional.”

“This tension becomes almost logical when discussing two strikers who are fixated on scoring.”

“In front of the goal, those two players are exceptional.” Victor operates with remarkable efficiency. If he skips his designated striker drills or fails to score during training, it really frustrates him. He aims to achieve victory in all endeavors. For him, it’s not an amusement park. Lookman remains unchanged, yet more composed.

“Honestly, I’ve observed strikers, but to strike the ball with such precision, using both right foot and left foot… that’s an exceptionally high level,” the Super Eagles coaches conclude.