The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced Éric Chelle, a former Mali national team coach, as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
This makes Chelle the third coach to oversee Nigeria’s senior men’s football team since José Peseiro stepped down in March 2024.
The decision was formalized during an NFF Executive Committee meeting on January 7, following a recommendation by the federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
Chelle, who previously managed Mali’s senior team and several clubs including GS Consolat and FC Martigues, will begin his duties immediately, leading the home-based Super Eagles at the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for February 1-28 across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau emphasized the need for continuity, stating, “The new coach will handle the CHAN Eagles, ensuring a seamless transition of home-based players into the senior national team.”
Chelle, a former Malian international with five caps, brings experience from Mali’s near success at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his team narrowly missed the semi-finals.
He will also face the critical task of revitalizing Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign, with the Super Eagles currently in fifth place in their group ahead of the next round of matches in March.
