NFF Officially Unveils Eric Chelle as Super Eagles Head Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally unveiled Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
The 47-year-old Franco-Malian was presented on Monday in Abuja, marking the end of speculation surrounding his appointment.
Chelle, a former Mali national team coach, was recommended by the NFF’s Technical and Development Committee last week, becoming the third coach to lead Nigeria’s senior men’s team since the departure of Jose Peseiro.
His immediate task will be guiding the Super Eagles B squad at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) next month in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, before turning his attention to Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles face Rwanda away and Zimbabwe at home in March.
Chelle’s appointment has drawn mixed reactions, with critics questioning why local coaches were overlooked. Addressing the concerns, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau emphasized the need for unity, urging Nigerians to support the new coach, whom he described as capable of delivering success.
Chelle joins Nigeria after resigning from his role at Algerian club MC Oran, where he led the team to a 1-0 Algerian Cup win in his final match.
Reflecting on his decision to leave, Chelle expressed gratitude to Oran’s management, players, and staff for their support during his tenure.
With a proven track record, including leading Mali to the 2023 AFCON quarter-finals and defeating Nigeria in a 2024 friendly, Chelle faces the challenge of revitalizing the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying campaign.
The NFF has assured full support to help him succeed in one of football’s most demanding roles.