Nigeria has named Éric Sékou Chelle as the Head Coach of the country’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles.
Per a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Malian tactician will officially take charge of the team during the next international window.
Additionally, it is speculated that he will handle the Super Eagles B team during the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Chelle’s appointment takes effect immediately.
His primary task will be to guide the Super Eagles to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Nigeria’s next World Cup qualifying matches in March.
He succeeds Austin Eguavoen, who managed the team in an interim capacity during last year’s World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.
Chelle had been considered for the role earlier but missed out when the NFF announced German tactician Bruno Labbadia for the position.
However, Labbadia failed to assume the role, paving the way for Chelle’s eventual appointment.
Who is new Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle?
Éric Sékou Chelle, 47, was born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. A former professional defender, he played his entire club career in France.
Though Ivorian by birth, Chelle holds French nationality and represented Mali at the international level, earning five caps between 2004 and 2006.
At the club level, Chelle featured for French sides including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
After retiring, Chelle transitioned to management. He has coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
In 2022, he became the Head Coach of the Mali national team, a position he held until his recent appointment as the Super Eagles’ Head Coach.
