PHOTO STORY: NFF unveils new Super Eagles coach Chelle

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has officially unveiled the newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle.

Chelle’s unveiling took place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Monday, an event which gathered sports enthusiasts and practitioners to welcome the 47-year-old Franco-Malian citizen.

The NFF last Tuesday, January 14, in a statement on its official X, Facebook and Instagram accounts as well as its website confirmed the appointment of Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

“The Executive Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men national football team, Super Eagles,” the NFF wrote.

“At its meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, 2nd January 2025, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee had recommended the appointment of former coach of the senior men national team of Mali as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

“This recommendation was on Tuesday, 7th January endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee.”

Chelle who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been the head coach of the Aiglons since 2022.

At the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners, Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 after extra time after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.

The new Super Eagles manager featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais in France during his playing career.

Chelle has been tasked with the responsibility of leading the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The next round of matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers will take place in March 2025, with the Super Eagles in a precarious situation regarding their qualification.

The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has meanwhile expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to lead the Super Eagles to new heights.

“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been different reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau said on Sunday.

“However, the NFF appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.”

Gusau has also assured Nigerians that the football governing body would provide the necessary backing to ensure Chelle’s success.

“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” he added.