Nigeria Football Federation Appoints Éric Sékou Chelle as New Head Coach of Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, marking a significant move in Nigerian football management.

The announcement was made on January 7, 2025, following the endorsement of the NFF Executive Committee, which approved Chelle’s appointment based on recommendations from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

Chelle’s appointment comes with immediate effect as he prepares to lead the Super Eagles into critical competitions, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His first challenge will be overseeing the home-based Super Eagles at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to take place from February 1 to 28 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to rejuvenate the team, stating, We are all concerned about our performance and want someone who can start immediately.

The same coach will manage both the CHAN team and the senior national team to ensure a seamless transition.

Chelle, a former coach of Mali’s national team, gained recognition for leading Mali to a near-semifinal finish in the 2023 AFCON, where they lost to eventual champions Côte d’Ivoire after extra time. His coaching experience includes stints with clubs such as GS Consolat and FC Martigues. As a player, Chelle represented Mali at the international level, earning five caps.

This appointment is historic as Chelle becomes the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles. He previously led Mali to victory over Nigeria in a friendly match in March 2024, marking a significant moment in their football rivalry.

As Nigeria prepares for upcoming matches in March for World Cup qualifiers, all eyes will be on Chelle to implement fresh strategies and insights that could propel the Super Eagles back to their former glory on the continental and global stages.

With his extensive experience and understanding of African football dynamics, Chelle aims to build a competitive squad ready to face challenges ahead.