
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team.
Chelle, a 47-year-old former Malian international, brings a wealth of experience from his playing and coaching career in France. During his playing days, he featured as a center-back for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. Internationally, he earned five caps for the Malian national team between 2004 and 2006.
Transitioning into coaching, Chelle managed several French lower-division clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne. In May 2022, he was appointed head coach of Mali’s national team, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. In that tournament, Mali narrowly lost 2-1 after extra time to the hosts and eventual champions, demonstrating tactical discipline and resilience under his guidance.
However, Chelle’s tenure with Mali ended in June 2024 following a goalless draw against Madagascar in a World Cup qualifier, leading to his dismissal by the Malian Football Federation.
The NFF’s decision to appoint Chelle has elicited mixed reactions. Some football analysts commend his familiarity with African football dynamics and his recent AFCON performance, suggesting he could bring fresh ideas to the Super Eagles. Conversely, others express concerns over his lack of direct experience with Nigerian football and question the rationale behind selecting a coach recently dismissed from his previous role.
Notably, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the appointment, labeling it “an aberration and a slap on the country.” They have announced plans for national protests, demanding the NFF reverse its decision and consider appointing a Nigerian coach instead.
Chelle’s immediate task is to prepare the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches scheduled for March. The team currently sits in a challenging position within their group, making his role pivotal in revitalizing Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations.
As Chelle steps into this new chapter with the Super Eagles, the Nigerian football community watches with anticipation, hopeful that his leadership will steer the team toward success on the global stage.