Malian president tells Chelle to quit Super Eagles coaching job: We want him back as coach

Malian military junta chief Colonel Assimi Goïta has contacted the team’s sacked coach Eric Chelle to return to his post, following reports that he will take over as coach of the senior Nigerian national team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Chelle was sacked as Mali coach after the final match of the international break, where the team were beaten by Ghana at home before drawing 1-1 with Madagascar.

His players protested against the decision and this led to a revolt in which they threatened to leave the team unless he was reinstated as coach. Their protests have now caught the attention of the country’s president.

Reports in Mali say a line of communication has been opened with discussion focused on bringing him back into the team, and is being led by key government figures as instructed by the president who took power in 2020.

The final decision now rests with the coach, who is under pressure from his players to turn his back on the Super Eagles job, which he seems certain to get and some reports even say he could be announced as coach in two weeks.

If he decides to make a U-turn and return to Mali, this will mean that Belgian Tom Saintfeit will have a free run in the post while his other contender, Steve McClaren, will not be seen as a threat due to his limited knowledge of African football.

Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman