Ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana, the Nigeria national team head coach has admitted that he is fully aware he could be sacked at any time.
Check Out: Ngezana’s 'Lucky Escape' After Reckless Actions
The Malian tactician stepped into a volatile situation when he took charge of the Super Eagles. At the time of his arrival, the West African giants were yet to register a win in the qualifiers and faced the real danger of falling out of contention for automatic qualification to the global showpiece at an early stage.
Chelle managed to secure Nigeria’s first victory of the campaign against Rwanda, but a subsequent draw with Zimbabwe dented their hopes once more. In the coming weeks, he will have the chance to revive the team’s aspirations when they face Rwanda and South Africa. However, the 56-year-old admits he is also wary that poor results could see him dismissed.
“I have heard a lot of stories about them wanting to sack me and replace me with someone else. I have heard about that,” Chelle told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
“I know, quite well, that I can be fired after one match. This is life in football. But if they decide to do that, they must be prepared to pay up the remainder of my contract.
“When I came to Nigeria, I didn’t come here because of money. I was earning more in my last job. I came to Nigeria because this is a very big team and I want to prove something, to achieve something. I came here for the challenge. Nothing has changed about that,” added the former Mali coach.
Check Out: 'We Didn’t Deserve To Beat Sundowns In CAFCL Final'
“I have not had very much contact with the NFF President and the General Secretary since I took charge of the team. We met at the very beginning, of course, and a few times afterwards. But I have been alone, largely, as I go on with doing my job.”
