|
Listen to article
|
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has confirmed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the national team.
The appointment followed the recommendation of the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee during its meeting on January 2, 2025, in Abuja.
The recommendation was approved by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025.
The 47-year-old has previously worked as the head coach of Mali’s senior national team.
He has also managed teams like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
During his playing career, he represented Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
Chelle led Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Côte d’Ivoire. They came very close to qualifying for the semi-finals, losing 2-1 to the eventual champions after extra time.
Austine Eguavoen was put in charge of the Super Eagles after Finidi George resigned from the role, following a series of disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including a draw against South Africa and a loss to Benin Republic.
Chelle’s appointment takes effect effective immediately and he will be tasked with qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
During his playing days, he featured five times for the Malian senior men’s national team. He also spells at teams like Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais in France.
Chelle’s appointment takes effect immediately, and he is responsible for guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
The Malian’s first task will be the next round of games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March. Nigeria are currently fifth in Group C of the qualifier. The team is also winless after four games.
