Eric Chelle Appointed As Super Eagles Head Coach

By: Gyang Dakwo

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially named Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, the country’s senior national team.

This decision came on the heels of the recommendation made by the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee, following a meeting in Abuja on January 2, 2025, and was subsequently ratified by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025.

A seasoned football strategist at the age of 47, Chelle is no stranger to leadership in national teams, having previously managed Mali’s senior national squad.

At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 after extra time, after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.

Born in Ivory Coast to a French father and a Malian mother, he made five appearances for the Mali national team – the Aiglons – and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.

The 47-year-old featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais in France during his playing career.

His appointment is with immediate effect, and he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the next round of matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) taking place in March.