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How do the accomplishments of newly-appointed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle compare to that legendary ex-Nigerian international Finidi George?

Seven months and three weeks after the unfortunate ouster of former Super Eagles coach Finidi George, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new gaffer of the male national team.

The arrival of the Malian tactician has raised many eyebrows within the football community, with many questioning his qualifications and competence to lead such a talented group of players, especially because he’s not had any high-profile job in the past.

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However, Berti Vogts, Jose Peseiro, Gernot Rohr, and several others have held the Super Eagles’ top job when they were unproven and didn’t have a wealth of experience under their belt – so why the fuse about Eric Chelle? Oh, hold on, seems Amanju Pinnick has the answers: The former NFF President has said it is because Eric Chelle is a black man!  

Interestingly, in more than seven decades, Malian tactician Eric Chelle is the first African coach (non-Nigerian) to lead the Super Eagles, and it’s understandable why he’s not receiving overwhelming support from fans and pundits alike. He will have to prove himself.

Let’s delve into how former Super Eagles coach Finidi George, who resigned in June 2024 (even though the NFF has yet to confirm the decision), compares to the recently hired Eric Chelle. Is the Malian an upgrade on the ex-Ajax star?

Playing career: Eric Chelle vs Finidi George

The record is quite clear – Finidi George enjoyed a stellar career that dwarfs anything Eric Chelle achieved as a football player. The ex-Nigerian international won two Eredivisie titles with Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam and played the entire 90 minutes as Louis Van Gaal guided his troops to lift the 1994-1995 UEFA Champions League, pipping AC Milan 1-0 courtesy of a late strike from substitute Patrick Kluivert.

For the national team, Finidi is a well-established legend of the game. He held down the Super Eagles’ right wing for many years, winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and featured at two FIFA World Cup tournaments (1994 and 1998). 

Finidi George provided the assist for Rashidi Yekini to score Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal and he was also on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win over Greece. Renowned sports data analytic firms Opta and Sofascore rated the ex-Ajax winger as the third-best player at the 1994 edition of the World Cup, where the Super Eagles achieved its highest FIFA ranking ever – placing fifth. 

Meanwhile Eric Chelle’s footballing career does not come close to the accomplished Finidi George. The Malian managed just five caps for his national team compared to his Nigerian counterpart with 62.  Before calling time of his club career, Chelle featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais, all in France and his biggest achievement as a player was winning Ligue 2 and the French National 1 Cup.

Managerial career: Eric Chelle vs Finidi George

Finidi George was assistant coach to Jose Peseiro as Nigeria went on a ride at 2023 AFCON, ultimately falling short in the final. He then took over (first on an interim basis) from the Portugese and in his first game in charge, fans were treated to free-flowing attacking football, something that was missing during the reign of his predecessor.

Under Finidi, Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly before losing 2-0 to Eric Chelle’s Mali in the next game. In spite of the defeat, the former Ipswich Town player got the nod and was handed the Super Eagles job permanently.

Eric Chelle’s Mali topped Group E at the 2023 AFCON with 5 points (1 win, 2 draws) and avoided defeat, pipping South Africa 2-0 before playing a draw with both Tunisia and Namibia. The Eagles of Mali triumphed 2-1 over Burkina Faso in the Round of 16 before their run was stopped in the quarterfinals by eventual winners Ivory Coast, who won 2-1 in extra-time. In 21 games will Mali, the 47-year-old earned an impressive 2.10 points per game.

Even though Mali eventually sacked Eric Chelle for failing to defeat an Ivory Coast team that was reduced to 10-man in the first half, the France-born tactician had done enough to win the hearts of many and earned another chance with Algerian side FC MC Oran.

As a manager, Finidi George has won the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title with Enyimba in 2023 while Eric Chelle is yet to get his hands on any silverware as a coach.  

There’s absolutely nothing in Eric Chelle’s career as a player or manager that holds water when compared to what the legendary Findi George has achieved.

However, let’s not forget that having a glittering career as a player doesn’t always automatically translate to being a great coach. Football is replete will numerous examples of great footballers that became mediocre coaches at the very best – Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo, and several others.

Final Thoughts

Comparing Finidi George and Eric Chelle might seem an unfair comparison but something tells me that if given full support, the Malian will exceed expectations in his new role.