- My Dream is to Manage Real Madrid – Eric Chelle
- Super Eagles finished third at the 2025 AFCON under his leadership.
- Chelle revealed health struggles during AFCON but confirmed recovery.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle said his long term ambition is to become the first African to manage Spanish giants Real Madrid.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Health Workers Warn as Antivenom Gaps Undermine Snakebite Treatment
- Tinubu Approves ₦40bn Zero-Interest Loans for University Lecturers, Staff
- 5 Health Risks Men Face After Age 40
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Malian born tactician made the disclosure while speaking on RMC Sport’s After Afrique podcast, which was shared on X on Monday.
Chelle said taking charge of the Madrid based club represents the peak of his coaching ambitions as he continues to build his profile on the global football stage.
“My dream is to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid,” Chelle said.
The Super Eagles coach has enjoyed a rise in profile following Nigeria’s impressive outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the team finished third. Nigeria recorded a strong tournament run, winning all but one of their matches.
During the interview, Chelle also reflected on key moments from the AFCON campaign, including reported squad management challenges and tensions involving Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
He also addressed discussions surrounding the widely reported water bottle incident from the 2023 AFCON, when he was in charge of Mali. The episode earned him the nickname Waterman after he collapsed close to the touchline during Mali’s dramatic quarter final defeat to Ivory Coast.
Clarifying the incident, Chelle said it was linked to a serious medical condition.
“I was feeling faint,” he said.
The coach revealed that he battled atrial fibrillation throughout the tournament.
“During the preparation for the AFCON, I suffered from atrial fibrillation. My heart was beating at 200 beats per minute all the time,” Chelle said.
“I was being monitored and taking medication, but I had dizziness and fainting spells. I spent the entire AFCON like that. After the match, I needed to catch my breath and was about to faint.
“The physiotherapist next to me knew I was fainting and put water on my head to keep me awake.”
Chelle added that following heart surgery after the tournament, his health has improved.
“It’s going very well,” he said.
FURTHER READING
- Super Eagles Still Hopeful of 2026 World Cup Qualification – Iwobi
- PHOTOS: Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Visits Tinubu in Abuja
- Tinubu Orders Safe Transit Routes to Clear Niger-Bound Cargo
