‘It’s possible’ – Odion Ighalo backs Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s Real Madrid dream

Former Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has backed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s ambitious dream of managing Real Madrid, insisting that “anything is possible” in the unpredictable world of professional football.

Ighalo’s comments come as a significant vote of confidence for the former Mali coach, who recently went public with his aspiration to one day lead the Spanish giants.

Speaking in an interview with WinWin, the former Manchester United forward emphasized that career trajectories in football are rarely linear and often defy expectations.

Ighalo suggested that success at the international level with Nigeria could serve as a vital stepping stone for Chelle to reach the pinnacle of European club management.

“Anything is possible in football,” Ighalo stated. “We only know what happens today, and no one knows what will happen tomorrow.

“He could succeed with one club, then move to another, and eventually maybe reach Real Madrid, because football is full of surprises. So yes, I believe it is possible.”

Chelle, who took the reins of the Nigerian national team in early 2025, has revitalized his reputation after leading the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite the current uncertainty regarding his contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation and the team’s recent struggles in World Cup qualifying, Chelle’s tactical discipline has earned him admirers across the continent and in Europe.

Ighalo’s endorsement carries weight given his own storied journey from Nigerian youth football to the heights of the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League.