Eric Chelle: The Man Tasked with Leading Nigeria to 2026 FIFA World Cup Glory

The Nigeria Football Federation has unveiled Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, tasking him with leading the team to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

The Nigeria Football Federation has officially unveiled Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. Chelle, a 47-year-old former Mali international, was introduced to the public during a ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. This marks a significant milestone for Chelle, who becomes the first non-Nigerian African to manage the three-time African champions.

Chelle's appointment was a result of a thorough selection process, with the Technical and Development Sub-Committee proposing his name, which was later approved by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday. Chelle succeeds Augustine Eguavoen and will be tasked with leading the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This will be a significant challenge for Chelle, but one that he is eager to take on.

Chelle will be assisted by a familiar backroom staff, including Hadi Taboubi, Thomas Gornourec, and Jean-Daniel Padovani. This team worked with Chelle during his tenure at Algerian top-flight side MC Oran, and their experience and chemistry will be invaluable as they look to achieve success with the Super Eagles. With Chelle at the helm, Nigerian football fans will be hoping for a successful qualifying campaign and a return to the World Cup stage.

“Dear Nigerians, It is with immense honour and profound humility that I assume the role of head coach of your national team, the Super Eagles. I want to express my gratitude for the trust that has been placed in me, and let me say this: I am ready. We are ready,” Chelle wrote on Instagram.

“Nigeria is a nation of passion, talent, and pride. Here, football is not just a sport - it is a flame that unites millions of hearts across the country and the diaspora. I feel this passion, and it is now mine as well.

“From this very moment, I am already hard at work. My goal is clear: to restore the Super Eagles to the pinnacle of world football, where they truly belong. This will require hard work, discipline, and a strategy that is both ambitious and realistic.”

He continued: “I will rely on the exceptional talent of our players, whether they play at home or abroad, and build a team that reflects the unity, strength, and excellence of Nigeria.

“I firmly believe in the potential of this team and the power of Nigerians to rally behind their heroes on the field. Every match, every training session, every decision will be made in the best interest of our nation, with a clear vision: to make all of Nigeria proud with every victory.

“I invite you to walk with me on this new journey. Together, we will revive the glory of the Super Eagles. Together, we will proudly carry the colours of this great nation.

“The work has begun. The dream is in motion. Let the Super Eagles soar high, and let Nigeria shine again on the world stage. Thank you for your unwavering support.”

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has expressed his optimism about the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. Gusau believes that Chelle represents the fresh energy and positive attitude that the team needs as they approach their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Gusau stated, “We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of coach Chelle.”

Gusau acknowledged that the appointment of Chelle may have received mixed reactions from Nigerians, but he appealed to fans to come together and support the new coach. Gusau said, “However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.” He also assured that the NFF will provide Chelle with all the necessary support to succeed in his new role. Gusau added, “The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job.”

Nigeria's national team is currently facing a challenging situation in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. They are currently fifth in Group C, having earned just three points from four matches played. The team will be looking to revive their faltering campaign when they visit Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali in March. With Chelle at the helm, the Super Eagles will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.