Eric Chelle has disclosed the serious health episode that unfolded during Mali’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final defeat to Ivory Coast – a moment that became a viral sensation but was widely misunderstood.
The then-Mali coach was filmed sitting at the edge of the pitch in Yamoussoukro, looking dazed as a member of his staff poured water over his head.
At the time, the gesture was assumed to be an attempt to console him following the dramatic loss to the tournament hosts.
The clip spread rapidly online, earning Chelle the ironic yet affectionate nickname “Water Man.”
However, the reality behind the scene was far more serious than social media users realised.
Speaking recently in Zanzibar, where he was attending the CHAN 2025 qualifiers, Chelle explained that the incident was triggered by a significant health issue.
Everyone calls me ‘Water Man’ because of this match, but do you know the story behind it? he asked. Before the tournament, I had surgery for a heart problem. That’s why they sprayed me with water.
The Franco-Malian coach revealed that just weeks before the competition, he underwent heart surgery in France.
Although he returned to the touchline determined to lead his side, the physical strain of the tournament proved overwhelming.
On that tense evening against Ivory Coast, the pressure and emotional intensity of the match took its toll.
Chelle experienced a sudden wave of physical distress – a combination of rising tension, disorientation and extreme fatigue.
The water poured over his head was not symbolic comfort, but an urgent attempt to revive him.
The revelation underscores the hidden toll coaching can take at the highest level.
Beyond tactics, media duties and the constant public scrutiny, managers must also navigate immense physical and psychological demands.
For Chelle, the AFCON quarter-final was a stark reminder that even the strongest leaders are not immune to the pressures of the game.
In competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations, every decision carries weight, and the stress is constant, he said. It’s not just about tiredness – it can become a real threat to your health.
Now in charge of Nigeria’s national team, Chelle says the experience has reshaped his approach to management.
He prioritises listening to his body, balancing the emotional intensity of the role with self-care, and ensuring that his health never takes a back seat to the game.
What many once saw as a quirky post-match moment has now been revealed as a sobering reminder of the human limits behind the technical area.
