WATCH: Valencia’s Umar Sadiq backs Eric Chelle to transform Super Eagles with Mali secret weapon

Sadiq points to Chelle’s achievements with Mali’s national team as a solid foundation for his optimism.

Chelle, a former Mali international, began his national team coaching career as Mali’s head coach after managing several lower-league clubs in France.

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Chelle’s tenure with Mali was marked by remarkable progress, leading them to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and delivering impressive performances at the tournament.

Mali displayed some of the best football at the AFCON, defeating South Africa and drawing against Tunisia and Namibia in the group stage.

They dominated Burkina Faso in the Round of 16 before facing heartbreak against Côte d’Ivoire in the quarterfinals. Despite completely outplaying a ten-man Ivorian side, Mali conceded two late goals in extra time, ending their campaign.

Chelle’s success with Mali earned him the opportunity to lead Nigeria, and Valencia striker Umar Sadiq is confident the Super Eagles will thrive if Chelle brings the same tactical approach to Nigeria.

“You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone was thinking that Mali were also among the favourites,” Sadiq told Sporty TV.

“You can see how they played. They were so good but they got knocked out in the quarterfinals because sometimes it is not the best that wins.
“But I can tell you I watched a lot of games of Mali because I have a teammate there. And you can see how they play. You can see the coach (Chelle) has a lot of things.
“I think with the way he plays, if he brings it to Nigeria, the way he plays in Mali, if he brings the type of play to Nigeria, I think we will go a long way forward.”
“If Eric Chelle brings Mali’s style of play to Nigeria, I think we will go a long way forward” – Valencia striker Umar Sadiq on SportyTV #Nigeria #Chelle #Sadiq #SportyShow pic.twitter.com/ZulVqUdhA1

— SportyTV (@SportyTV_) January 26, 2025

Umar Sadiq, who missed last year’s AFCON due to injury, is eager to shine for both club and country.

The Super Eagles forward recently joined Valencia on an initial loan deal from Real Sociedad and hopes to secure a spot in Nigeria’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March under Chelle’s guidance.