Eric Chelle Set to Be Unveiled as Super Eagles Head Coach in Abuja

Eric Chelle will officially assume the role of Head Coach for Nigeria’s Super Eagles during an unveiling ceremony at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, set for 11 a.m. on Monday.

This development follows the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) announcement of the Franco-Malian’s appointment less than a week ago.

Although some skepticism remains regarding the 47-year-old’s abilities, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has voiced strong confidence in Chelle’s potential to lead the team successfully.

“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau stated on Sunday via a post on the NFF’s website.

“However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles. The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job.”

The unveiling ceremony will also provide an opportunity to introduce Eric Chelle’s backroom staff, who will work alongside him to lead the Super Eagles B team at next month’s African Nations Championship, set to take place in East Africa.

Following this tournament, Chelle’s focus will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Currently sitting fifth in their group, the Super Eagles are four points behind the leaders after a challenging start to the campaign. However, they have a chance to recover, beginning with an away match against Rwanda in March, followed by a home fixture against Zimbabwe.

Chelle brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As Mali’s head coach in 2022, he guided the national team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they were narrowly defeated by eventual champions Côte d’Ivoire.

A former defender, Chelle earned five caps for Mali’s national team during his playing career and has managed several clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.