Former Mali Coach, Eric Chelle Appointed As Super Eagles Head Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

The appointment of the 47-year-old Malian tactician was announced in a statement by the NFF on Tuesday. It followed a recommendation by the federation’s technical and development sub-committee on January 2, which was endorsed by the executive committee shortly before the announcement.

Chelle, who previously coached Mali’s national team, guided them to the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, where they lost to the hosts in extra time.

Before joining Mali in 2022, Chelle managed several lower-tier French clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne. During his playing career, he earned five caps for Mali’s senior national team and played for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais in France.

His appointment takes immediate effect, and his primary goal will be securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Chelle’s first challenge will be leading the Super Eagles in their next qualification matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March. Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C of the qualifiers and is winless after four games.