Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed that his long-term goal is to become the first African to manage Spanish giants Real Madrid, describing it as a defining milestone in his coaching career.
The Malian-born tactician shared his ambition during a televised interview on RMC Sport’s After Afrique podcast, posted on X on Monday. Reflecting on his future plans, Chelle said reaching the highest level of European club football remains his ultimate dream.
“My dream is to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid,” Chelle stated, underscoring his determination to continue building his profile on the international stage.
Chelle recently led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a campaign in which the Super Eagles won all but one match. The achievement enhanced his reputation and drew praise from observers who see his ambition as a sign of the growing recognition of African coaches globally.
During the interview, Chelle also reflected on key moments from the AFCON tournament, including challenges in squad management and reported tensions involving players Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
He further addressed the infamous “water bottle” incident from the 2023 AFCON quarter-final against Ivory Coast, which earned him the nickname “Waterman.” Chelle explained that the episode was related to a serious health condition.
“During the preparation for the AFCON, I suffered from atrial fibrillation. My heart was beating at 200 beats per minute all the time. I was being monitored and taking medication, but I had dizziness and fainting spells. During the match, I needed to catch my breath and was about to faint. The physiotherapist put water on my head to keep me awake,” he explained.
Following heart surgery after the tournament, Chelle said his condition has improved significantly, reassuring fans about his health. “It’s going very well,” he added.
The coach’s comments highlight both his professional ambition and resilience, as he continues to build his legacy with the Super Eagles while aiming for a historic breakthrough in European football.
