The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, with immediate effect.
Chelle, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous managerial role with Mali’s national football team, now takes on the pivotal task of guiding Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle’s appointment comes after a meeting held by the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee on January 2, 2025, where they recommended him for the role.
This recommendation was later endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025, solidifying his appointment.
The 51-year-old French-Malian coach has a rich history in football, both as a player and a coach. As a player, Chelle earned five caps for the national team of Mali.
He has managed several clubs across Europe, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, before taking on the role as Mali’s national team head coach in 2022.
His tenure with the Mali national team ended in June 2024, after which he was dismissed following a series of unsatisfactory results.
Now, with the Super Eagles, Chelle has the responsibility of steering the team through the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the crucial Matchdays 5 and 6 set for March 2025.
The NFF has high expectations for Chelle, given his extensive international coaching background and his ability to work with diverse teams.
The appointment has generated excitement, as the Super Eagles look to build on their successes and strengthen their bid for World Cup qualification. With Chelle’s leadership, there is hope that the Super Eagles will continue to rise as one of Africa’s top footballing powers.
This is also seen as a fresh chapter in Nigerian football, with Chelle’s appointment reflecting the NFF’s commitment to evolving and taking a more progressive approach to securing success on the international stage.
Fans and stakeholders alike are hopeful that under his guidance, the Super Eagles will reclaim their status as one of the most formidable teams in African football.
Chelle’s immediate focus will be on preparing the team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and with a wealth of experience, both on and off the field, his appointment has brought a renewed sense of optimism for Nigeria’s footballing future.
