The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
The NFF made the announcement on Tuesday, January 7, following the recommendation of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee during a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Chelle, 47, is a former head coach of Mali’s senior national team and has also managed clubs including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
As a player, Chelle had a career in France, representing clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother, he was eligible to play for Côte d’Ivoire, France, and Mali, but chose to represent Mali, earning five caps before retiring.
From 2022 to 2024, Chelle managed Mali, guiding the team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where Mali was narrowly defeated by the hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, in a 2-1 loss after extra time. Under his leadership, Mali achieved 14 wins, five draws, and three losses.
The NFF’s Executive Committee confirmed the recommendation on January 7, officially endorsing Chelle’s appointment as head coach of the Super Eagles. His immediate focus will be on guiding the team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the next round of qualification matches scheduled for March 2025.
