Nigeria Football Federation appoints Éric Chelle as Super Eagles coach, tasking him with securing a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team.
The decision, announced on 7th January 2025, followed the recommendation of the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee, endorsed by the Executive Committee at a meeting held in Abuja.
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Chelle, a former Malian international with five caps for the Aiglons, brings a wealth of experience to the Super Eagles.
As a coach, he has managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, and most recently served as Head Coach of Mali’s senior national team since 2022.
Chelle gained recognition for his commendable performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Under his leadership, Mali narrowly missed a semi-final spot, losing 2-1 to the eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, after leading the match until the final minute of regulation time.
As a player, the 47-year-old featured prominently in France, representing clubs like Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
The NFF has tasked Chelle with securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
With Matchdays 5 and 6 of the qualifiers scheduled for March, the new coach faces an immediate challenge to prove his mettle.
Chelle’s appointment aligns with the NFF’s ambition to revitalise the Super Eagles and ensure their competitiveness on the global stage.
“We believe his track record and experience will propel the Super Eagles to achieve their goals,” an NFF official remarked.
As Chelle begins his tenure, the nation eagerly anticipates a new chapter in Nigerian football, with hopes that the Super Eagles will soar to greater heights under his leadership.
