JUST IN: NFF Appoints Éric Chelle as Super Eagles Head Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team. The decision, approved by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025, follows a recommendation from the federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee during a meeting held in Abuja on January 2, 2025.

Chelle, 47, brings extensive experience to the role, having previously managed Mali’s senior national team as well as clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. His playing career in France saw him represent teams such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and Malian mother, Chelle chose to represent Mali as a player, earning five international caps before retiring.

During his tenure as Mali’s head coach from 2022 to 2024, Chelle led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. The team narrowly missed the semi-finals, losing 2-1 after extra time to the eventual tournament champions. Under his leadership, Mali achieved an impressive record of 14 wins, five draws, and three losses, leaving a lasting legacy despite his departure in June 2024.

Chelle’s appointment comes in the wake of Finidi George’s resignation, which followed a string of disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including a draw with South Africa and a loss to the Benin Republic. Chelle’s immediate priority will be to guide the Super Eagles in their remaining World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches scheduled for March.

The NFF has expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to revitalize the team and lead them to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.