NFF Appoints New Head Coach for Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of a new head coach for the Super Eagles, aiming to rejuvenate the team ahead of upcoming tournaments.

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that Éric Sékou Chelle will be the new head coach for the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team.

The decision, reached at a meeting on January 7, 2025, aligns with the recommendation from the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee.

Chelle, 47, previously worked as the head coach of Mali’s senior national team. He also brings a wealth of managerial experience from his time with clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.

Throughout his playing career in France, he played for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

Chelle, who was born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and Malian mother, had the option to represent either Côte d’Ivoire, France, or Mali. He chose to play for Mali and earned five caps before retiring from international football.

Serving as Mali’s head coach from 2022 to 2024, Chelle guided the Aiglons to a strong showing in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire. They narrowly missed advancing to the semi-finals after a hard-fought match against the eventual champions ended with a 2-1 loss following extra time. During his tenure, Mali achieved an impressive record of 14 wins, five draws, and three losses under his leadership.

Chelle’s time with Mali concluded in June 2024, yet his accomplishments made a lasting impact, highlighted by one of the most unforgettable performances at the 2023 AFCON.

The head coach position for the Super Eagles opened up after Finidi George resigned due to unsatisfactory performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which included a draw with South Africa and a defeat by Benin Republic.

Chelle’s appointment takes effect right away, with his main responsibility being to lead Nigeria in securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. The important qualifiers for Matchdays 5 and 6 are set for March.