The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team.
Éric Chelle, 47, previously managed Mali’s national team from 2022 to 2024, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his guidance, Mali narrowly missed a semi-final spot, losing 2-1 after extra time to the host nation and eventual champions.
Before his national team role, Chelle coached clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. As a player, he had stints with French clubs Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais and earned five caps for Mali.
His appointment is effective immediately, with the primary objective of securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles are scheduled to play crucial qualifiers in March.
The NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended Chelle’s appointment on January 2, 2025, and it was endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025.
The NFF and Nigerian football enthusiasts are optimistic that Éric Chelle’s experience and leadership will guide the Super Eagles to success in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and beyond.
