The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s national men’s football team, the Super Eagles. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Monday.
Chelle, a former Mali International, is the 42nd substantive head coach of the Super Eagles. He has been tasked with reviving Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes.
The Super Eagles have yet to win in the qualifiers and are fifth in Group C with three points from four games. Chelle will also lead the home-based Super Eagles at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Chelle promised to settle down and work diligently to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “I favour an attacking style. Football is about scoring goals,” he said during his unveiling ceremony.
The new coach thanked the NFF, the NSC, and Nigerians for the 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.“
He acknowledged Nigerians’ high expectations and vowed to work hard to succeed. “I know Nigerians’ expectations, and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.“
Call For Support
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau called for Nigerians to support Chelle. “I see in the new head coach the right spirit and attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level.“
Gusau disclosed that Chelle had signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year if he qualifies the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
Chelle will work with three assistants and the existing crew to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand. He will also join the Super Eagles B team in Ikenne as they prepare for the upcoming CHAN, playing a supervisory role.
The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, affirmed the NSC’s support for Chelle: “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.“
Dikko emphasized the importance of football in uniting Nigerians. “Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy.”
He assured the government would support the NFF but not interfere with their responsibilities. “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.“
Top football officials, including Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Grassroots Sports Development, and Sharif Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical & Development Committee, attended the unveiling ceremony.
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