Our reporter
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Malian coach Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, marking a historic appointment as he becomes the first non-Nigerian African to lead the team.
Chelle’s selection was made following a recommendation by the NFF’s technical and development sub-committee on 2 January, which received approval from the federation’s executive committee shortly before the announcement on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old tactician brings a wealth of experience, having most recently managed Mali’s national team at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he guided them to the quarter-finals before a dramatic extra-time loss to the hosts.
The coach’s emotional reaction to Mali’s AFCON exit, which saw him visibly distressed on the sidelines, became one of the tournament’s most talked-about moments. Despite the setback, his passion and tactical acumen earned him respect within African football circles.
Before his international coaching stint, Chelle’s career primarily revolved around managing lower-tier French clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne. As a player, he represented Mali’s senior team on five occasions and had club spells in France with Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
Chelle’s immediate task will be to turn around Nigeria’s faltering FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C, winless after four matches. His debut challenge will be March fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, where he will aim to revive the team’s chances of securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup finals.
The NFF has expressed confidence in Chelle’s abilities, with the federation describing him as the right choice to restore the Super Eagles to their former glory.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
