NFF Appoints Éric Chelle as Super Eagles Head Coach

'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja 

DAILY COURIER - The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced 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 was endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday, following a recommendation by the federation's Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

Chelle, 47, brings a wealth of experience to the Super Eagles, having previously coached the senior men’s national team of Mali. His tenure with the Aiglons began in 2022, during which he guided the team to an impressive campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Despite narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot, Mali under Chelle demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, losing 2-1 to eventual champions Côte d’Ivoire in extra time after leading for most of the match.

Before his coaching career, Chelle enjoyed a successful playing stint in France, turning out for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. He also earned five caps for Mali’s national team.

Chelle’s coaching résumé includes stints at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. His ability to develop teams and his strong tactical acumen were key factors in his appointment by the NFF.

Chelle’s appointment takes immediate effect, with his first major task being to lead the Super Eagles in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team’s next qualifying matches, on Matchdays 5 and 6, are scheduled for March 2025.

The NFF’s Executive Committee expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to guide the Super Eagles to success. “The appointment aligns with our commitment to assembling a competent and experienced technical crew capable of achieving our footballing objectives,” said a statement from the NFF Communications Department.

The NFF’s decision comes as the Super Eagles look to reestablish themselves as one of Africa’s premier football teams, building on their rich history and the wealth of talent within the squad.

Chelle’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for Nigerian football, with expectations high for the team to perform at the highest level on the global stage. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as the Super Eagles prepare for their upcoming fixtures under their new head coach.