Eric Chelle has shed light on the process that led to his appointment as head coach of the Super Eagles.

The Malian international was officially appointed as Nigeria's head coach early in January, bringing an end to the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) prolonged search for a new gaffer to replace Finidi George.

The 47-year-old noted that despite taking up the MC Oran job after being dismissed by the Malian national team, he still had the Super Eagles role in his sights after applying to the NFF.

Chelle added that the shortlist for the Super Eagles job included some great coaches and despite expecting the job earlier the opportunity came later.

"When I left the Malian national team, there was a call for applications from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and I applied like any other coach.

"There was a process, a shortlist was published, and there were four or five names on the list.

"These names included some great coaches. I had a video conference where I presented my project, my vision, and my philosophy.

"I thought it would happen much sooner, but events meant I had to wait.

"I left for Oran, but I immediately warned my president and the others that this opportunity might arise—and then it did.

"The Oran club was very gentlemanly in its approach, and the management let me leave for this major project. Listen, we've been negotiating since that call for applications.

"I didn't understand why it was taking so long, and then at some point, things accelerated very quickly, in the space of a week.

"I informed my managers in Oran, and it happened very quickly. That's why it created such a stir there in Nigeria, but I was aligned with what I wanted to do."

WDN