The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Éric Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s football team, the Super Eagles. He is the third coach to take over since José Peseiro resigned in March 2024.
The NFF announced Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, following a video statement from President Ibrahim Gusau that hinted at the news.
“The NFF Executive Committee has approved the Technical and Development Sub-Committee’s recommendation to appoint Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of the Super Eagles,” the NFF said.
During a meeting in Abuja on January 2, 2025, the committee recommended Chelle for the job. The Executive Committee approved this recommendation on January 7.
Chelle has played five times for Mali’s national team and has coached clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He was the head coach of Mali’s national team from 2022 until he was dismissed on June 13, 2024.
A highlight of Chelle’s time with Mali was their quarterfinal performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Although they lost to the eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, their fluid and attacking style of play received praise.
Nigeria appoint Ex-Lens defender Éric Sékou Chelle@thenff has unveiled Eric Sekou Chelle as the new head coach of the @SSE_NGA, marking the start of a fresh era for Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team. #AfricanFootball #AfrcanStories pic.twitter.com/r3AWVO9IT8
— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) January 7, 2025
