The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the men’s senior national team, the Super Eagles.
Chelle replaces the interim gaffer of the team, Augustine Eguavoen who filled in for Finidi George, who resigned less than two months into the job.
The Technical and Development Sub-Committee, who recommended Chelle’s appointment during its meeting on January 2, 2025 in Abuja, was successfully approved by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday.
The former RC Lens defender will resume his role with immediate effect and will lead the side through the remaining games of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, according to the NFF.
Chelle, who retired from football in 2014, has featured on five occasions for the Mali senior national team between 2004 and 2006.
The 47-year-old has played for clubs like Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais — in his management career, he has taken charge of GS Consolat, FC Martigues and Boulogne.
Appointed as head coach of Mali’s senior national male team in 2022, he guided the Eagles to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
They were eventually knocked out in the quarter final stage by winners Cote d’Ivoire and Chelle was dismissed as coach on June 13, 2024.
Chelle’s appointment has led to mixed reactions, but his main task remains to lead the three-time African champions to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in their qualification Group C, having amassed just three points in four games. Their next match is against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali in March.
