The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has officially introduced Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Monday, drawing sports enthusiasts and professionals to welcome the 47-year-old Franco-Malian coach.
The NFF had confirmed Chelle’s appointment in a statement on Tuesday, January 14, across its official social media platforms—X, Facebook, Instagram and its website.
“The Executive Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as the Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles,” the NFF statement read.
The recommendation was made at a meeting of the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and was endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday, January 7.
Chelle, who earned five caps for the Mali national team and has managed clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, has been the head coach of Mali since 2022. Under his leadership, Mali came close to reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, narrowly losing 2-1 after extra time to the hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire.
A former player, Chelle represented French clubs Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais during his career.
Chelle now faces the challenge of guiding the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The next set of FIFA World Cup qualifying matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) will take place in March 2025, with the Super Eagles currently in a precarious position in their group.
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to elevate the team.
“We understand that Nigerians are deeply passionate about football, and we appreciate the diverse reactions to Coach Chelle’s appointment,” Gusau said on Sunday. “However, we urge all Nigerians to unite in supporting him, as we believe he has the qualities needed to bring success to the Super Eagles.”
Gusau further assured Nigerians that the NFF would provide Chelle with all the necessary resources to succeed in his new role.
“The NFF is committed to supporting him fully in his mission,” he added.
