Éric Sékou Chelle has been appointed as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee.
According to the Bureau Newspaper, the NFF Executive Committee formally approved the move on January 7, 2025, after the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee made the suggestion at its meeting in Abuja on January 2, 2025.
The 47-year-old has led teams like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran, giving him a wealth of experience in the position. He has also coached internationally, having guided Mali’s senior national side to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals in Côte d’Ivoire.
Chelle played for a number of clubs in France, including Chamois Niortais, Lens, Istres, Martigues, and Valenciennes. Chelle was qualified to represent France, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. She was born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother. He chose to play for Mali, where he retired after five caps.
Chelle had an outstanding record of 14 victories, 5 draws, and 3 loses while serving as Mali’s head coach from 2022 to 2024. In June 2024, his time with Mali came to an end.
Following Finidi George’s resignation due to the Super Eagles’ poor performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying round, Chelle was named the team’s new head coach.
Chelle’s appointment is effective immediately, and his main responsibility will be to lead Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup finals in 2026.
March will see the important Matchday 5 and 6 qualifiers.