History book: The day new Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle had water poured on his head during a match

Following the appointment of Éric Chelle as new Super Eagles head coach, Nsikakabasi Akpan in this article opens the history book to the day Éric Chelle had water poured on his head during a match.

Éric Chelle’s appointment as the new head coach of the Super Eagles on January 7, 2025, was met with excitement and anticipation, but his arrival comes with a challenging and demanding task. The 47-year-old former Mali manager is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having experienced a viral moment at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that quickly became a talking point across social media. This moment, where he had water poured on his head during Mali’s heartbreaking defeat to Ivory Coast, may seem like an odd incident, but it serves as a subtle reminder of the intense emotions that accompany managing a national football team in such critical tournaments.

The Viral Water Incident

During the 2023 AFCON quarter-final between Mali and Ivory Coast, the match took a dramatic turn in the dying moments of extra time. Mali, who had led the game with a man advantage, were on the verge of securing a place in the semi-finals when Ivory Coast staged an extraordinary comeback. The match was tied after Simon Adingra’s last-minute equalizer, and then Mali was eliminated after a header from Diakité sealed their defeat in extra time.

The emotional toll of the loss on coach Éric Chelle was evident. As the game slipped away, Chelle began to feel physically overwhelmed. He described experiencing dizziness and a rise in his blood pressure after Ivory Coast’s second goal. In a video that quickly went viral, a member of his staff poured water on his head to help him recover from the stressful moment. Chelle later explained that the water was essential in stabilizing his condition, and while the incident became a meme, it highlighted the pressure managers face in critical moments.

A New Challenge for Chelle

Now, as the newly appointed head coach of Nigeria’s national team, Chelle faces an even more demanding challenge. Commenting on Chelle’s upcoming task, NSIKAKABASI AKPAN of SportsRation humorously noted that the new Super Eagles coach would need “a lot more of the same water pouring” to cope with the immense pressure awaiting him. “The Super Eagles job is far more demanding than the Mali job,” Akpan added. “With Nigeria four points adrift in their World Cup qualifying group after a poor start, Chelle is under massive pressure to deliver a World Cup ticket. He also has the monumental task of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for Nigeria, who finished as runners-up in the last tournament.”

Indeed, the stakes are much higher for Chelle in this new role. The Super Eagles, one of the most successful teams in African football, are in a precarious position in the World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria’s failure to secure a place in the 2022 World Cup left the nation disappointed, and the current qualification campaign is proving to be just as challenging, with a slow start that has left them needing to make up ground.

In addition to the World Cup qualifiers, Chelle must also lead the team to AFCON glory. Nigeria’s recent performance in the competition – finishing as runners-up in 2023 – has set high expectations for their future success. Fans and pundits alike will be looking to Chelle to build on that momentum and ensure that Nigeria secures both qualification for the World Cup and a victory in the next edition of the AFCON.

Chelle’s Experience and Expectations

Éric Chelle is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having managed Mali in AFCON 2023. His tactical awareness and ability to handle tense moments were evident in the tournament, as he led the team to the quarter-finals. His brief but impactful time with the Mali national team displayed his capacity to compete at the highest level, even in the face of adversity. Chelle’s coaching career also includes stints at various clubs, such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. This diverse coaching experience has prepared him for the diverse challenges that will come with leading a team as high-profile as the Super Eagles.

However, Chelle’s transition from managing Mali to Nigeria marks a significant step up in terms of expectations. Nigeria is a footballing giant in Africa, and the national team carries the hopes of millions of passionate fans. While the pressure might have overwhelmed him in that viral moment with Mali, the coach will need to summon all his resilience to handle the intensity of managing Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

As the Super Eagles prepare for their upcoming qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON, Éric Chelle will need to rally his team, instill confidence, and work on strategies to ensure Nigeria’s success. The road ahead will undoubtedly be filled with challenges, but Chelle’s leadership, experience, and calm under pressure will be crucial for the team. Whether or not he will experience more “water pouring” moments remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Super Eagles’ success will depend on his ability to manage the immense pressure of one of the most demanding coaching jobs in African football.