The Nigeria Football Federation appoints Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of the Super Eagles, aiming for success in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chelle, who has prior experience coaching the Mali national team, will begin preparations for the World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 2025, after being recommended by the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee during their meeting in Abuja.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, effective immediately. Chelle’s primary objective will be to lead the national team to the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This decision followed a meeting held in Abuja on January 2, 2025, where the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended hiring a foreign coach for the Super Eagles. Chelle, previously the head coach of the Mali national team, will prepare the team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 2025.
At the age of 47, Éric Chelle boasts extensive experience as both a player and a coach. He earned five caps representing Mali and has a history coaching various clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He led the Mali Aiglons until June 13, 2024, when he was dismissed. Chelle’s notable achievement includes guiding Mali to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Côte d’Ivoire, where they narrowly lost to the hosts, who were also the eventual champions.
The recent appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of the Super Eagles highlights the Nigeria Football Federation’s commitment to enhancing its national football teams. With a focus on international competitions, particularly the FIFA World Cup, the NFF seeks proficient leadership to improve performance levels. Chelle’s coaching history and previous role with Mali signify his capability to elevate the Super Eagles amid the competitive landscape of international football.
The Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to appoint Éric Sékou Chelle as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles signals a strategic move towards enhancing the team’s prospects for future international tournaments, specifically the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a rich coaching background and valuable experience on the international stage, Chelle is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team and strengthen their competitive edge in upcoming qualifiers.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
