NFF Appoints Éric Chelle as New Head Coach of Super Eagles

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, the senior men’s national football team.

In a statement issued by Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Director of Communications, it was revealed that the Federation’s Executive Committee approved the appointment following a recommendation by the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

“The NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee, during a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, proposed the former Mali national team coach, Éric Chelle, as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles. This recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday,” Olajire said.

Chelle, who previously coached the Mali national team, brings with him a wealth of experience. He earned five international caps for Mali and has managed several clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. Most recently, he was the head coach of the Mali national team, a role he held since 2022. Under his guidance, Mali came close to reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where they were narrowly defeated 2-1 in extra time by the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire, who later went on to win the tournament.

The 47-year-old French-Malian former player had a notable playing career in France, featuring for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

Olajire also confirmed that Chelle’s appointment is effective immediately, with the primary responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is set to face crucial qualifying matches in March, where they will need strong performances to stay in the hunt for a World Cup berth.

The Super Eagles are currently in a tight race for qualification, and victories in Match Days 5 and 6 will be critical for their chances.

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