The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Chelle, the former head coach of Mali’s senior men’s national football team, as the new coach of the Super Eagles. Chelle’s appointment marks the third change in leadership for Nigeria’s senior men’s team since José Peseiro stepped down in March 2024.
The decision was finalized following the recommendation of the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee during a meeting in Abuja on January 2, 2025. This recommendation was endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025, and the announcement was made shortly after a hint from NFF President Ibrahim Gusau in a video released earlier.
Chelle’s immediate task will be leading the home-based Super Eagles at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will take place from February 1 to 28 in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Gusau emphasized that the NFF’s policy ensures that the same coach manages both the CHAN Eagles and the senior national team. “Whoever takes charge of the team must start immediately, and they will also oversee the CHAN Eagles. This provides an opportunity to identify players from the home-based team who can strengthen the senior national team,” Gusau explained.
The CHAN Eagles are currently in camp at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, under the interim guidance of Remo Stars Coach Daniel Ogunmodede, Rangers International’s Fidelis Ilechukwu, and goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa. This trio successfully managed the team through the qualifiers against Ghana.
Éric Chelle, a former defender with five caps for Mali’s national team, has an extensive coaching career. He previously managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran before becoming head coach of the Aiglons in 2022. At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Chelle’s Mali narrowly missed a semi-final spot, losing 2-1 to hosts and eventual champions Ivory Coast after extra time, despite leading until the final minutes of regulation time.
Beyond CHAN, Chelle faces the daunting task of steering the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is currently in fifth place in their qualifying group, with the next round of matches scheduled for March.
