Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has openly declared his ambition to become the first African to manage Spanish giants Real Madrid, revealing his long-term dream of reaching the pinnacle of European club football, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Malian-born tactician made the bold admission while speaking about his career aspirations, stating clearly that coaching Los Blancos remains a major personal goal.
“My dream is to become the first African coach to manage Real Madrid,” Chelle said, underlining his determination to break new ground for African managers on the global stage.
Chelle’s confidence comes on the back of an impressive outing with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he guided the Super Eagles to a third-place finish. That campaign not only restored belief around the national team but also enhanced Chelle’s reputation as one of Africa’s fast-rising coaches.
His comments have since sparked widespread reactions within the football community, with many viewing his ambition as a reflection of the growing influence and recognition of African coaches in world football. Supporters and analysts alike see Chelle’s vision as symbolic of a new era, where African tacticians increasingly aspire to, and compete for, the biggest jobs in the global game.