Eric Chelle is set to officially assume the role of Head Coach for Nigeria’s Super Eagles during an unveiling ceremony at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, at 11 a.m. today.
The announcement follows the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) confirmation of the 47-year-old Franco-Malian as the new coach last week. Despite mixed reactions to his appointment, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has urged Nigerians to support Chelle, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the team to success.
“We understand Nigerians’ passion for football, which is why reactions to Coach Chelle’s appointment have been varied,” Gusau said in a statement. “We appeal to everyone to support him. The NFF is committed to giving him the necessary backing to succeed.”
Chelle’s first assignment will involve leading the Super Eagles B team in the African Nations Championship next month in East Africa. Afterward, his focus will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the Super Eagles must recover from a challenging start to their campaign. Currently fifth in their group, they trail the leaders by four points, with critical matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe scheduled for March.
Chelle previously coached Mali’s national team, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. As a former defender, he earned five caps for Mali and managed several clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
The unveiling will also include the announcement of Chelle’s backroom staff, signaling the beginning of his tenure as the Super Eagles’ head coach.
