Who is Nigeria coach? What you need to know about the Super Eagles manager as AFCON 2027 draws near

Being the Super Eagles of Nigeria coach is one of the toughest jobs in the world at the moment, as there is literally no room for error.

The past year has been heartbreaking for Nigerian football, as last November, the Super Eagles came up short in qualifying for this year’s Mundial, falling in the final of the CAF play-offs against DR Congo on penalties in Rabat on November 16. Despite being handed a lifeline by virtue of the withdrawal of Eritrea and VIctor Osimhen-inspired wins over Benin and Gabon, Nigeria were ultimately unable to seize their second chance.

They then proceeded to the Africa Cup of Nations in Janurary, but they finished third in that competition, after losing to Morocco in the semi-final and beating Egypt in the third-place match.

Former Mali coach Eric Chelle took charge of the three-time African champions back in January 2025, and has a decent record so far. In spite of this, the sting of the recent 3-0 humiliation at Guinea-Bissau in September has, for the first time, seen his job security called into question.

Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, George Ilenikhena, Samuel Chukwueze for Super Eagles — Super Eagles. Photo by Nsidibe Akpan Copyright: Imago

Who is Nigeria coach?

Eric Chelle is the head coach of Nigeria’s men’s senior side, the Super Eagles. He was appointed in January 2025, replacing Eguavoen, who held sway after the Bruno Labbadia debacle.

Chelle last coached Algerian side MC Oran before taking over the Nigeria role.

He also coached the Mali national side at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 in the quarter-finals to the hosts and eventual winners.

Super Eagles of Nigeria coach Eric Chelle — Photo by IMAGO

Chelle, 48, was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast A former professional defender, he played his entire club career in France.

Though he was born in the West African country, Chelle holds French nationality and represented Mali at international level, earning five caps between 2004 and 2006. At club level, Chelle featured for French sides including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais before retiring.

He then transitioned into management coaching clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.

Who will coach Nigeria in the next international window?

The Super Eagles will be back in competitive action in November 2026 as they bid for a ticket to the 2027 AFCON in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Eric Chelle has already overseen two games in the series. He led Nigeria to beat MAdagascar 2-1, before they got disgraced by Guinea-Bissau 3-0 in their second game of the series. Next up, he will be in charge of the double-header against Tanzania in November.

AFCON 2025: Host cities and stadiums you need to know

Do watch out for the odds of these matches on the Bet9ja mobile app.

Super Eagles coaches through history

Throughout its storied history, the Nigerian national football team, affectionately known as the Super Eagles, has been guided by a cadre of remarkable managers.

Among these luminaries, Brazilian tactician Otto Martins Glória stands tall, etching his name in Nigerian football folklore by masterminding their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in 1980.

His astute leadership paved the way for subsequent successes, including the appointment of Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof, whose tenure saw Nigeria clinch their second AFCON title in 1994, solidifying their status as a continental powerhouse.

Clemens Westerhof ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/TyAI4NW2jE

— Olúwashínà Okeleji (@oluwashina) April 21, 2023

In more recent memory, the indomitable spirit of the Super Eagles was epitomised by the late Stephen Keshi who, as Nigeria coach, propelled the country to AFCON glory once again in 2013, marking a triumphant return to the summit of African football.

These iconic figures left an indelible mark on Nigerian football and inspired generations of players and fans with their passion, vision, and commitment to excellence.