Nigerian head coach, Eric Chelle has been subjected to ridicule on social media after disclosing that he dreams of managing Spanish giants Real Madrid.
He stated that he wants to become the first African to manage Los Blancos, setting an example and paving the way for other coaches on the continent.
Chelle, who began his coaching career with French amateur side Groupe Sportif Consolat in 2014 is currently regarded as one of the best homegrown coaches in Africa.
I want to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid – Nigeria’s coach
The 48-year-old guided the Super Eagles to a respectable third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He also led his native Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON tournament.
Despite his strong background, many football fans question his ambition, noting he has yet to win a major trophy.
Some supporters ridiculed the fact that he failed to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup and did not win the 2025 AFCON despite having star players in his squad.
They urged him to focus on helping Nigeria win the AFCON and qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup before chasing such lofty dreams.
Read the reactions below:
It’s like someone who is 35 years old and he’s dreaming of playing for Madrid… it would never happen..
— Sefa Edward🇬🇭🇬🇭🤍 (@sefa_edward3) February 9, 2026
He needs to win AFCON first before becoming a manager of real Madrid
— IZZYDON FC™ (@izzydonfc8722) February 9, 2026
Sorry to say this to you gaffer
This dream is damn huge I don’t see it happening— Innosaint Tochukwu (@Innosaint04) February 9, 2026
Person wey nor fit qualify Nigeria 🤦♂️🤣🤣
— sonia Pluto 🌎 (@Ma87266Manday) February 9, 2026
Are you kidding me ry now?
You will need to win the World Cup with that super Eagle team before Perez will take a second glance at you😹 pic.twitter.com/6ntOE9Xvrj
— Lona🐺 (@LoneWolf__x) February 9, 2026
One semi final and he’s already dreaming to coach madrid 😂
— Dagold (@0x_DaGold) February 9, 2026
People laughing in the replies clearly don’t know ball. Eric Chelle has more tactical discipline in his pinky finger than Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa combined. Xabi is just riding the Leverkusen hype train, but Chelle actually understands the grind.
Florentino Perez needs to stop…— 𝐙𝐎𝐃𝐘𝐋🦍 (@ZodylXbt) February 9, 2026
This is really a big dream but win Nigeria the World Cup and you could achieve this.
I am cry sure Real Madrid will come calling
— Report Minds (@Reportminds) February 9, 2026
There some dreams you know won’t come to pass
— UTDTALK (@PeaceMufc1) February 9, 2026
Which of the Real Madrid?
You think say Real Madrid go collect 3rd as achievement? pic.twitter.com/U7biugX4FU
— Abdul-Fatai (Omo Oshodi) (@Herbdulfatah247) February 9, 2026
SB/JE
Meanhwile, watch highlights of U20 match between Black Princesses vs South Africa
