Former head coach of the Mali national football team, Eric Sekou Chelle, has been appointed the new coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The Nigeria Football Federation’s Executive Committee confirmed Chelle’s appointment after approving the recommendation of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
During a meeting held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in Abuja, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee proposed Chelle as the new head coach.
This recommendation was later endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Chelle, who earned five caps for Mali’s national team, has had coaching stints with various clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. Since 2022, he has been the head coach of Mali’s senior team.
Under his leadership, Mali narrowly missed out on a spot in the semi-finals at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, losing 2-1 after extra time to hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, despite leading by a single goal until the final minute of regulation time.
At 47, Chelle had a notable playing career, featuring for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais in France.
His appointment is effective immediately, and he now faces the task of guiding the Super Eagles to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with crucial qualifying matches scheduled for March.
