Former Mali Defender Eric Chelle Takes Helm of Super Eagles

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

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced Eric Chelle, a 47-year-old former Mali defender, as the new head coach of Nigeria's senior national team. Chelle takes over from Augustine Eguavoen, who served as interim coach after Finidi George's resignation just two months into his appointment.

Chelle's appointment is effective immediately, and his primary objective is to lead the Super Eagles to a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. The team's current situation is challenging, as they sit fifth in Group C with three points from four matches. To secure a World Cup ticket, Nigeria must win their remaining six matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere.

As a player, Chelle earned five caps for Mali and had stints with several French clubs, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. His coaching career includes managing GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, as well as leading Mali's senior national team to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Eric Chelle's Appointment as Nigeria's Head Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. This decision was made after the Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended Chelle's appointment during their meeting on January 2nd, 2025, in Abuja. The NFF Executive Committee subsequently approved the recommendation on Tuesday.

Chelle's Coaching Career and Playing Experience

Eric Chelle, a former RC Lens centre-back, will assume immediate responsibility as head coach of the Super Eagles, leading the team through the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. As a player, Chelle earned five international caps for Mali's senior national team between 2004 and 2006. Born in France, Chelle spent his entire playing career in the country, representing several clubs, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais, before retiring in 2014.

Chelle's Managerial Experience

Following his retirement from professional football, Chelle transitioned into management, taking charge of GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne. In 2022, he was appointed head coach of Mali's senior national team, replacing Mohamed Magassouba. Under Chelle's leadership, the Eagles secured qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing his coaching prowess on the international stage.

Chelle's Tenure as Mali's Head Coach

Eric Chelle's stint as Mali's head coach came to an end with a quarterfinal loss to hosts Cote d'Ivoire in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite taking an early lead, Mali suffered a 2-1 defeat, marking the end of their campaign. Chelle's tenure was subsequently terminated by the Malian Football Federation on June 13th, 2024.

Introducing Eric Chelle, New Head Coach of the Super Eagles #soarsupereagles #naija4thewin #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/zxY0GxmTAV

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 7, 2025

Chelle's Appointment as Nigeria's Head Coach

Prior to his appointment as Nigeria's head coach, Chelle took charge of MC Oran, a top-tier team in the Algerian Elite Division. His appointment has garnered mixed reactions, with some questioning his suitability for the role. Nevertheless, Chelle's primary objective will be to lead Nigeria to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria's World Cup Qualification Hopes

The Super Eagles are currently facing an uphill battle in their World Cup qualification campaign, sitting fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches. Chelle's first major challenge will be to revive Nigeria's faltering campaign when they visit Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali in March. A positive result will be crucial in keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive.