The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday unveiled Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles.
At the unveiling ceremony, which took place inside the Media Conference Room at the MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja, Chelle expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying it is a dream come true to get the job as the Super Eagles had been his favourite team when he was growing up.
Chelle said: “I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job. I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.
“Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style,” he said. “I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
With six World Cup qualifying matches remaining, Chelle emphasised the importance of players’ commitment and the urgency of the task at hand.
Chelle was appointed as the new coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team last Tuesday, following a recommendation from the NFF’s Technical and Development Committee.
He becomes the third coach to take charge of the team since the departure of Portuguese coach José Peseiro.
According to the NFF, the 47-year-old and his assistants will lead the Super Eagles B team at next month’s African Nations Championship in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, before focusing on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins with matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.
Speaking earlier at the unveiling, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to deliver results, citing his understanding of African football and mentality.
Gusau assured Nigerians of the NFF’s full support for Chelle.
“We want someone who understands the mentality of African people. Eric is here, and by the grace of God, he will deliver the results we need. All football stakeholders in Nigeria must rally around Eric and give him the support he needs,” he stated.
The NFF boss stated that both the NFF and the National Sports Commission (NSC) are committed to providing Chelle with the necessary resources to succeed.
On his part, NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, affirmed the government’s support for Chelle’s appointment and lauded the transparent recruitment process.
“Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy. On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job.
“The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, and the government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF. The NFF is saddled with that responsibility and the Government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job,” Dikko stated.
