Eric Chelle has explained how he became a devout Muslim despite coming from a Christian background.
The Valenciennes legend said he grew up in Marseille among North Africans, who are predominantly Muslim.
Coach Chelle explains religion, family background
The coach of the Nigerian men's team stated that his father and two of his siblings are Christians.
According to OwnGoal, the former MC Oran coach said his mother and elder sister are practicing Muslims.
The 47-year-old said his parents taught him how to be tolerant and respect other people's choice of religion.
"I am affiliated with a double culture. My father is a Catholic and two of my younger are also Catholic. My mother is a Muslim, so I decided to follow the religion of my mother, including my elder sister.
"I was born to tolerate and respect people, it is in my DNA. When I am tasked to handle a group of people, I ensure my group emulates me and that its values are extremely important in group life."
Notably, the Malian tactician had permitted Ahmed Musa to leave the team to get married to his fourth wife during an international tournament.
Chelle took over the Super Eagles in January, and his immediate responsibility was to turn around the World Cup qualifying campaign and secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket.
The experienced coach is yet to lose a match in charge of the three-time AFCON winners, also beating Jamaica to win the 2025 Unity Cup, as reported by The Punch.
Notably, the Malian tactician had permitted Ahmed Musa to leave the team to get married to his fourth wife during an international tournament.
Chelle took over the Super Eagles in January, and his immediate responsibility was to turn around the World Cup qualifying campaign and secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket.
The experienced coach is yet to lose a match in charge of the three-time AFCON winners, also beating Jamaica to win the 2025 Unity Cup, as reported by The Punch.
Chelle gives observation on Super Eagles squad
In the context of current form, Chelle emphasised that his team needed to learn to cope with intense pressing from opponents.
According to Daily Post, the Franco-Malian coach admitted the match against Russia was tough, describing them as worthy opponents.
The squad selection under Chelle has come under scrutiny from Nigerian football fans, many of whom claim he prioritises popularity over form.
Some people, like @MrMowiz, have been asking me for what @thenff President @IbrahimMusaGus1 said, during my exclusive interview in Casablanca, about the @NGSuperEagles and the future of head coach Eric Chelle, should the team fail to qualify for the 2026 #FIFAWorldCup. So, have a… pic.twitter.com/VaR7DSiObq
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) July 21, 2025
The manager, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September, backed his selections, explaining the criteria he uses when choosing players to make the team, per Onze Mondail.
“The last thing is tactically. As a coach, you don't have time. When I took over the Nigerian national team, I only had two sessions before the match.
“Physically, the player has to be in shape. He also has to be tactically intelligent to be ready to understand and apply my instructions. You also need good technical quality.
And finally, you have to be mentally ready.” Nigeria faces Rwanda in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier clash in September, needing a win to bolster their hopes of advancing.
Per SuperSport, the Super Eagles are currently fourth in their qualification group, six points behind log leaders South Africa.
