‘What is happening to him is deserved’ - Mali star hails appointment of new Super Eagles coach Chelle

Chelle’s appointment has drawn the attention of his former player, whom he coached in the Mali national team during the 2023 AFCON competition.

The 25-year-old earned his debut for his country in 2021. However, he was benched for two years before being called up by Eric Chelle.

The team's journey at the AFCON, where they lost to hosts Côte d'Ivoire in the quarterfinal, was greatly assisted by Sinayoko.

The Mali international acknowledges that he is happy that Eric Chelle has been named Nigeria's new head coach.

“I am very happy for him (Chelle) because before being a good coach, he is a good person,” Sinayoko told RFI.

“He had the courage to put me in the starting line-up in a competition as important as the AFCON in front of players who play in more exclusive clubs, in the Champions League. What is happening to him is deserved.”

Sinayoko praises Chelle's courage and spirit, saying he is more than simply a coach and that he helped him revive his international career.

Since the Super Eagles have already qualified for the upcoming AFCON, Chelle's priority will be to make sure Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.