The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, succeeding Augustine Eguavoen, who served in an interim capacity.
Chelle, 47, takes over immediately and will lead Nigeria through the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle’s appointment was approved by the NFF Executive Committee following a recommendation from the Technical and Development Sub-Committee during its meeting on January 2, 2025, in Abuja.
A former centre-back for RC Lens, Chelle earned five international caps for Mali between 2004 and 2006. He holds dual Malian and French citizenship and spent his entire playing career in France, featuring for clubs like Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais before retiring in 2014.
Transitioning into management, Eric Chelle coached GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne. In 2022, he was appointed head coach of Mali’s national team, guiding them to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mali’s campaign ended in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 loss to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Eric Chelle was dismissed by the Malian Football Federation in June 2024 and later joined MC Oran in Algeria.
Chelle’s appointment has divided opinions, with critics questioning his suitability for the job.
However, his immediate challenge will be to revive Nigeria’s struggling World Cup qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C, with three points from four matches. They will aim to turn their fortunes around when they face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali this March.
The 2013 African champions face a daunting task, but the NFF is confident that Chelle’s experience will help steer the team back on track.
