NFF appoints ex-Malian international Éric Chelle as Super Eagles Head Coach
Chelle
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially named 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 following a recommendation by its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, came after deliberations during a meeting in Abuja. Chelle, a former coach of Mali’s national team, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Chelle, 47, is a former international player with five caps for the Aiglons of Mali. His coaching résumé includes stints at notable clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
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Since 2022, he had been at the helm of Mali’s national team, leading them to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals in Côte d’Ivoire.
His team narrowly missed a semi-final spot after a 2-1 extra-time loss to the host nation, despite holding a lead until the final minute of regulation time.
During his playing career, Chelle featured prominently in France, turning out for clubs like Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
As the new Super Eagles coach, Chelle’s immediate task is to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The next round of qualifiers, Matchdays 5 and 6, are set for March.
Chelle’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Super Eagles, as the team aims to regain its dominance on the African and global football stage.
