The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Eric Sekou Chelle as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles.
The decision was finalised at the NFF Executive Committee meeting held on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, in Abuja. This followed the earlier recommendation made by the Technical and Development Sub-Committee during its meeting on Thursday, 2nd January.
Chelle, 47, a former Malian international with five caps for the Aiglons of Mali, brings vast coaching experience to the role. He previously managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran before taking charge of Mali’s senior national team in 2022.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali team narrowly missed a semi-final spot. They were eliminated by the hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, in a 2-1 extra-time loss despite leading until the final minute of regulation time.
As a player, Chelle had a successful career in France, featuring for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
His appointment as Head Coach of the Super Eagles takes immediate effect. Chelle’s primary task will be to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with crucial Matchday 5 and 6 qualifiers scheduled for Super Eagles.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
