NFF Appoints Éric Chelle as Head Coach of Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. His main goal is to lead the team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chelle previously coached Mali and led them to the semi-finals in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His first matches with the Super Eagles will be the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, effective immediately. Mr. Chelle’s primary objective will be to guide the team towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. This decision was reached during a meeting held in Abuja on January 2, 2025, wherein the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended hiring a foreign coach to enhance the team’s performance.

Éric Chelle, aged 47, brings valuable experience to the role, previously serving as the head coach of the Mali national team, where he led them to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his leadership, Mali narrowly lost to the hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, in a hard-fought match decided by a single goal in extra time. Additionally, he has coached various clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.

As a former player, Mr. Chelle represented several clubs in France, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais, and earned five caps for the Mali national team. His first challenge as head coach will be the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for March, where he hopes to steer the Super Eagles towards success on the international stage.

The appointment of Éric Chelle marks a strategic shift for the Nigeria Football Federation, emphasizing the importance of experienced foreign coaches in enhancing national team performance. This decision is rooted in the need for a fresh perspective and expertise to navigate the challenges of international football, particularly with the impending World Cup qualifiers. Chelle’s previous coaching experience with the Mali national team, alongside his understanding of African football dynamics, positions him as a suitable candidate to lead the Super Eagles into a new era.

The NFF’s decision to appoint Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles reflects a commitment to achieving greater success in international football. His past achievements with the Mali national team and extensive coaching experience will be invaluable as he prepares the team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With immediate effect, Chelle’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of Nigerian football on the world stage.

Original Source: www.bbc.com