The NFF has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, effective immediately. His primary goal is to lead the team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Chelle’s significant coaching experience includes a previous role as Mali’s national team coach, where he achieved notable success during the Africa Cup of Nations. His first assignments will involve the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles. Effective immediately, Chelle’s primary objective will be to lead the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. This decision follows a meeting held in Abuja on January 2, 2025, where the federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended the hiring of the former Mali national team coach. Chelle’s first competitive matches will take place during the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.
At 47 years of age, Chelle has previously earned five caps as a player for Mali and has coached various clubs including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He served as head coach of the Mali national team since 2022 until his dismissal on June 13, 2024. His coaching tenure is noted for leading Mali to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where they narrowly lost to the eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, by a score of 2-1 after extra time.
As a player, Chelle represented several clubs in France, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. His rich experience in both playing and coaching equips him to take on the challenges ahead with the Super Eagles.
The appointment of a new head coach for a national football team is a pivotal step in preparing for significant international competitions, such as the World Cup. The Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to enlist a foreign coach highlights their commitment to enhancing the Super Eagles’ competitive edge. Éric Chelle’s previous experience with the Mali national team, especially his success in leading them to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, positions him as a capable leader. This transition aims to revitalize the team’s performance and strategies as they aim for World Cup qualification.
In summary, the Nigeria Football Federation’s appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of the Super Eagles marks a strategic move towards revitalizing the team’s performance ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With substantial experience in both coaching and playing at high levels, Chelle is expected to bring fresh perspectives and leadership to the team, thereby boosting their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
