Malian players threaten to quit the national team if Super Eagles’ appointed coach Chelle is not reinstated

Mali’s senior players have threatened to quit the team if the football federation fails to bring back sacked coach Eric Chelle, who is the favourite to be appointed as Nigeria’s senior coach. Own goal Nigeria.com understands.

Chelle was sacked as coach of the Malian side after the disappointment of the final round of World Cup qualifying, where they were beaten 1-2 by Ghana at home before being held to a 0-0 draw in Madagascar.

The results led to his resignation as coach despite all he had achieved in the two years he led the team. Under his guidance, the team lost only two games, including a penalty shoot-out defeat to Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations and a qualifying defeat to Ghana.

Nigeria have him high on their list of possible replacements for Finidi George who left his coaching post following poor results in the World Cup qualifiers where they were beaten 1-2 by Benin Republic after drawing 1-1 at home to South Africa.

That plan faces huge opposition from the Malian team’s players, who are putting pressure on the federation to bring back the 47-year-old or else they will leave the team, as he was instrumental in their decision to pledge loyalty to the team.

Most of the players were born in France but Chelle used his connections and reputation to lure them to Mali. His departure, which the players consider harsh, has seen them turn against the FA, which is now pushing to rectify the situation by contacting the coach’s representative.

However, it appears that Chelle has obtained the approval of the top brass of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be the next coach of the Nigerian team. The deal is expected to be finalized In two weeks.

Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman