The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team.
The decision was endorsed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation from the federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
Chelle, 47, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Head Coach of the Mali senior men’s national team, the Aiglons, since 2022.
He also has an impressive club coaching résumé, with stints at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
Coaching and Playing Legacy
As a player, Chelle earned five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and played for French clubs including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
His coaching acumen came to prominence during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he led Mali to the quarterfinals. Mali narrowly missed the semifinals, losing 2-1 to the host nation after extra time, despite leading until the final minute of regulation.
Immediate Responsibilities
Chelle’s appointment takes immediate effect. His primary task is to guide the Super Eagles to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with crucial qualifiers scheduled for Matchdays 5 and 6 in March 2025.
The NFF expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to reinvigorate the Super Eagles and lead the team to greater heights, particularly in the World Cup qualifiers and other international competitions.
