The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The appointment was confirmed through a statement shared on the NFF’s official X page on Tuesday.
The statement detailed that the Executive Committee of the NFF endorsed the recommendation from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee, which convened on January 2, 2025. The recommendation for Chelle’s appointment was approved on January 7, 2025.
Éric Chelle, who previously served as the head coach of Mali’s national team, brings a wealth of experience to the Super Eagles. The 47-year-old has an impressive coaching resume, having managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He also led Mali to a strong performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot after a close defeat to the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire.
Chelle’s playing career saw him feature for several French clubs, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. As a player, he earned five caps for Mali’s national team, the Aiglons.
His appointment as head coach is effective immediately, with his primary task being to lead the Super Eagles to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The next round of World Cup qualification matches for Nigeria is scheduled for March, where Chelle will begin his tenure at the helm of the team.