The NFF names Chelle the new head coach of the Super Eagles

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

Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Director of Communications, announced the appointment in a statement, noting that the Federation’s Executive Committee approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

“At its meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended Éric Sékou Chelle, former coach of Mali’s senior national team, as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles,” Olajire said. “This recommendation was endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday.”

Chelle, 47, brings extensive experience, having earned five caps as a player for Mali and coached clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He has served as Head Coach of the Malian national team since 2022.

Under his leadership, Mali performed impressively at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year. Mali narrowly missed the semi-finals, losing 2-1 in extra time to the hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, who later defeated Nigeria by the same margin in the final.

As a player, Chelle had a successful career in France, featuring for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

Olajire confirmed that Chelle’s appointment is effective immediately. His primary task will be to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The next round of qualification matches, Match Days 5 and 6, are scheduled for March, where the Super Eagles will need victories to strengthen their bid for a World Cup ticket.