Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed his long-term ambition to become the first African to manage Spanish giants Real Madrid, describing the goal as a major milestone in his coaching career.
The Malian-born tactician made the declaration while discussing his future plans and desire to reach the pinnacle of European club football.
The former Valenciennes player added that managing Real Madrid remains his ultimate dream as he continues to build his career at the highest level of international football.
The former Valenciennes player added that managing Real Madrid remains his ultimate dream as he continues to build his career at the highest level of international football.
“My dream is to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid,” Chelle said in an interview with RMC Sport.
Chelle recently led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a campaign that boosted his reputation on the continental stage and drew praise from football observers who see his ambition as a sign of the growing recognition of African coaches globally.
In a wide-ranging conversation, the Super Eagles boss also reflected on key moments from the 2025 AFCON, including squad management challenges and reported tensions involving Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
He also revisited the viral “water bottle” incident from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Mali, which earned him the nickname “Waterman” after he collapsed near the bench during a dramatic quarter-final loss to Ivory Coast.
Chelle later clarified that the incident was linked to a serious health issue. Speaking on the After Afrique podcast, he said, “I was feeling faint.”
He explained that he had been suffering from atrial fibrillation during the tournament.
“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, taking medication, but I had dizziness and fainting spells. I spent the entire AFCON like that. After the match, I needed to catch my breath, I was about to faint. The physiotherapist next to me knew I was fainting and put water on my head to keep me awake,” Eric Chelle explained to the microphone of After Afrique.
Following heart surgery after the tournament, Chelle said his condition has improved and reassured fans about his health.
