Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has declared that his long-term ambition is to become the first African to manage Spanish giants Real Madrid, describing the target as a defining milestone in his coaching career.
The Malian-born tactician made the disclosure while speaking about his future plans and desire to reach the highest level of European club football.
Speaking in a televised interview with RMC Sport’s After Afrique podcast posted on X on Monday, the former Valenciennes player said managing Real Madrid remains his ultimate dream as he continues to build his profile on the international stage.
“My dream is to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid,” Chelle said.
Chelle recently guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Eagles had a strong campaign, winning all but one match throughout the tournament.
The tournament boosted Chelle’s reputation and drew plaudits from observers who view his ambition as reflective of the rising global recognition of African coaches.
In the interview, the Super Eagles coach 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 widely circulated “water bottle” incident during the 2023 AFCON with Mali, which earned him the nickname “Waterman” after he collapsed near the technical area during a dramatic quarter-final defeat to Ivory Coast.
Chelle later clarified that the incident was linked to a serious health condition.
Speaking on the After Afrique podcast, he said, “I was feeling faint.”
He explained that he had been suffering from atrial fibrillation throughout 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 and 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 and was about to faint,” Chelle said.
“The physiotherapist next to me knew I was fainting and put water on my head to keep me awake,” he added.
Following heart surgery after the tournament, the Super Eagles coach said his condition has improved and reassured fans about his health, adding, “It’s going very well.”
Chelle’s ambition to manage Real Madrid places him among a growing number of African coaches seeking opportunities at Europe’s top clubs. While several African players have achieved legendary status at elite European clubs, no African coach has managed a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
His declaration comes at a time when African coaches are gradually gaining recognition in European football, though most remain concentrated in lower-tier leagues or African national teams. Chelle’s success with Nigeria could serve as a platform for higher-profile appointments in the future.
