Eric Chelle has finally been unveiled as the head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles; event held at the MKO Abiola stadium press conference room in Abuja, Nigeria on Monday.
The 47-year-old former Mali international, who led his country to the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations last year, takes over from interim boss Austin Eguavoen, after the latter helped secure the ticket for the next continental tournament.
Chelle is tasked with leading Nigeria through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with a contract ending at the end of the calendar year and to be revisited on the basis of his performance in the next 12 months.
What Eric Chelle said at his unveiling?
“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Said Eric Chelle.
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. 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.
He added that he supported Nigeria whilst growing up in France. “When I was young, this is my favorite team, I bought the shirts, I watch the games everyday, during the world cup in France , I was in Marseille, it’s my team.”
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau said?
“I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level. He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself.
Coach Chelle recognizes and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way.”
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko also conveyed the support of the NSC for the former Valenciennes center back, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF.
“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, as 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; the Government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job.”
Task ahead for Eric Chelle as Super Eagles Head Coach
Eric Chelle faces an uphill task of leading the Super Eagles to the next FIFA World Cup. The country has started the qualifiers on a poor note, recording just three points from their first four games and now fifth in Group C.
Check out five things you should know about Eric Chelle here.
Currently, Nigeria trail behind Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, each with seven points. There’s also Lesotho, who are two points ahead of the three-time African champions but the position occupied by the Crocodiles.
Chelle’s immediate focus will be on the upcoming qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, where positive results will be decisive to enhance Nigeria’s prospects of securing a spot in the World Cup.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
