The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Malian tactician Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NFF disclosed that the 47-year-old’s appointment was recommended by its technical and development sub-committee on January 2 and subsequently endorsed by the federation’s executive committee.
Chelle brings a wealth of experience, having previously managed Mali’s national team, which he led to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Mali was eliminated after a hard-fought extra-time loss to the host nation.
At the club level, Chelle has coached teams such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
During his playing career, Chelle earned five caps for Mali’s senior national team and played for several French clubs, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
Chelle’s appointment, effective immediately, tasks him with steering the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Expectations are high for the new coach to bring his expertise to bear on one of Africa’s most prominent football teams.
