While he was probably playing his last match with MC Oran, in the Algerian Cup on Saturday, the Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle made a media outing which will make people talk by confirming his immediate departure for Nigeria, where he comes to be appointed coach.
The story ends a little badly. In just three months at the head of the Mouloudia Club d’Oran (MCO), Éric Chelle has made a slight impression. Arriving in October 2024, the Franco-Malian coach led the team in 12 matches, with a mixed record of 5 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats. A whirlwind passage, but one that is about to end abruptly.
From MCO to Super Eagles
The news broke on January 7: Eric Chelle has been named coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeriaa prestigious position but heavy with responsibility. Nigeria, African vice-champion, is currently in great difficulty in the 2026 World Cup qualifierswith four games without a win. The mission is clear for Chelle: get the Super Eagles back on track and offer them world qualification.
However, everything is not yet settled on the Mouloudia side. A crucial meeting is planned for Sunday in Oran to discuss his official departure. According to sources, a clause in his contract would allow Chelle to leave the club in the event of an offer from a national team, but the MCO leaders still hoped to convince their coach to stay.
“Monday I will be in Nigeria“
While uncertainty loomed, Éric Chelle chose to put an end to the suspense after the qualification acquired on Saturday against USM Sétif (1-0), by delivering an unambiguous statement:
« It was my last match with the MCO. Monday, I will be in Nigeria. The club officials insisted that I stay, but you cannot turn down an opportunity like that of managing the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world. It’s true that I’m very selfish. But once again, I thank the Algeriansas well as the Oran public for the welcome. I also thank my management who always put me in the best conditions, as well as my staff and all my players. »
Words which confirm his departure, leaving little room for doubt as to his immediate future. This announcement puts an end to a short but intense collaboration between Chelle and the MCO and decides on its future even before today’s meeting. The technician leaves the club with a record of 13 matches managed, for 6 wins, 5 defeats and 2 draws, and leaves a void that Mouloudia will have to fill quickly.
President Chakib Ghomari has also indicated that the search for a successor will now begin. For Chelle, this transition marks a decisive step in his career, having left the national team of Malithis summer. After a few months in Algeria, he is now preparing to take charge of a finalist nation in the last African Cup of Nations, in Ivory Coast.
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