Eric Chelle Appointed as Super Eagles Head Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The announcement was made on Tuesday following the federation's executive committee's approval of a recommendation from its technical and development sub-committee on January 2.

The 47-year-old Malian tactician brings a wealth of experience, having recently led Mali to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire. Under Chelle’s leadership, Mali fell to the hosts in a closely contested extra-time match.

Chelle’s managerial portfolio includes stints at clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. As a player, he earned five caps for Mali's national team and played for French clubs including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

The new coach’s appointment takes immediate effect. His primary responsibility will be to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. His first challenge comes in March, with crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C, winless after four matches.

Chelle’s leadership marks a new chapter for Nigerian football as the team seeks to regain its competitive edge on the global stage.