It is no longer news that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have appointed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. This is a decision that has generated diverse reactions among fans and football analysts.
The move, ratified by the NFF Executive Committee, follows recommendations from the Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
As the 47-year-old former Mali international takes charge of one of Africa’s most storied football teams, here are five key facts about the man tasked with leading the three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions.
Three nationalities in one
Eric Chelle was born on November 11, 1977, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to a French father and a Malian mother. With ties to three countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and France—Chelle had the opportunity to represent any of these nations at the international level.
However, he chose to play for Mali, earning 46 caps as a dependable centre-back for the Eagles of Mali during a decade-long international career.
The first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles
The appointment of Chelle marks a historic moment for Nigerian football. While the Super Eagles have had 22 foreign coaches in their history, Chelle is the first African from outside Nigeria to take the reins.
Previously, all foreign coaches hailed from Europe—countries including Germany, England, France, and Portugal—or South America, specifically Brazil.
Chelle’s appointment comes with unique significance, given his African roots and deep understanding of the continent’s football landscape.
Multilingual skills
Communication is often a barrier for foreign coaches in African football, but Chelle’s linguistic abilities set him apart.
The former defender is fluent in French and English, as well as several African languages, a skillset that ensures seamless interaction with the Super Eagles squad.
Many of the team’s players ply their trade in European leagues, where English and French are dominant, making Chelle’s multilingualism a significant advantage in fostering rapport and understanding on and off the pitch.
The biggest job of Eric Chelle's career
While Chelle has an impressive résumé, the Super Eagles job represents the most high-profile appointment of his coaching career.
Before managing Mali in 2022, he coached lower-league French sides such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne. After leaving Mali, he also had a stint with MC Oran in Algeria’s Ligue 1.
Managing a team with the stature of the Super Eagles, renowned for their global fan base, rich history, and star-studded roster featuring players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi and many more presents a monumental challenge.
A Ligue 2 merchant
Chelle’s playing career is steeped in the history of French football, particularly in Ligue 2, where he made 173 appearances and scored three goals.
He also played 96 matches in Ligue 1, scoring five goals.
Known for his commanding presence as a centre-back, Chelle turned out for clubs including Martigues, Valenciennes, RC Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
His extensive experience in France’s competitive leagues gives him a robust foundation for understanding defensive organization and talent nurturing, attributes that could be invaluable in rebuilding the Super Eagles’ defensive solidity.
