The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has named Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, with his appointment taking immediate effect.
The 47-year-old Malian tactician was recommended by the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee on January 2, 2025.
This recommendation was endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, paving the way for Chelle’s confirmation.
Chelle, a former central defender who earned five caps for Mali during his playing days, previously managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran before taking charge of Mali’s senior national team in 2022.
Under his leadership, Mali reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, narrowly missing out on the semifinals after a dramatic extra-time defeat to the host nation and eventual champions.
Chelle’s primary mandate is to steer the Super Eagles through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria’s campaign hangs in the balance.
The three-time African champions are currently fifth in their group with three points from four matches, making qualification a daunting task.
To secure a World Cup ticket, the Super Eagles must win their remaining six matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere to avoid missing consecutive World Cups, following their absence in Qatar 2022.
In addition to the World Cup qualifiers, Chelle’s immediate responsibility includes overseeing the home-based Super Eagles’ participation in the 2024 African Nations Championship, CHAN, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from February 1 to 28.
Currently, the CHAN Eagles are in camp at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, under the temporary guidance of coaches Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa, who led the team to victory over Ghana in the qualifiers.
Speaking about the appointment, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to bring success to the Super Eagles.
Chelle’s storied career as both a player and coach provides a wealth of experience that could prove pivotal as he takes on the challenging task of revitalizing Nigerian football.
