Eric Chelle has acknowledged that his personal ambitions prompted him to leave MC Oran and accept the role of head coach for the Super Eagles.
However, the 47-year-old has offered his gratitude to the Algerian club and its fans.
Chelle says he was tempted by the offer to lead the three-time African champions.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has already announced Chelle as the next coach of the national team last week.
But the Malian took charge of MC Oran for the last time on Saturday, recording a 1-0 win over USM Setif, qualifying them for the quarter-final of the Algeria Cup.
Speaking after the clash, Chelle said: “I have the chance to join 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 Algerians, as well as the Oran public for the welcome.”
Chelle faces the challenge of securing a 2026 World Cup ticket for the Eagles and leading them to glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
