The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially unveiled Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles during an event at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Chelle, a 47-year-old Franco-Malian, was appointed following a recommendation by the NFF Technical and Development Committee, which the NFF Executive Committee confirmed last Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in Chelle’s capabilities, calling on Nigerians to rally behind the new coach. “We appreciate the passion Nigerians have for football, which has sparked various reactions to this appointment. However, we believe Chelle possesses the qualities to bring success to the Super Eagles,” Gusau said.
The NFF assured the new coach of its full support, with Gusau adding, “We will provide all the resources and backing required for him to excel in his role.”
Chelle, who recently led Mali’s Aiglons to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, takes on the Super Eagles’ leadership after managing Algerian club MC Oran.
His immediate challenge will be preparing the Super Eagles B team for the upcoming African Nations Championship in East Africa next month. Following that, he will focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.
