The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team.

The endorsement follows a recommendation by the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee during its meeting in Abuja on January 2, 2025. Chelle, a former coach of Mali’s senior men’s national team, will assume his duties immediately. His primary objective is to guide the Super Eagles to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with key qualifying matches scheduled for March.

Chelle, 47, played professionally in France for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, and Lens, and earned five caps for Mali. He previously coached teams like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran before managing Mali from 2022 to 2024. Notably, his Mali side narrowly missed a semi-final berth in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, losing 2-1 to eventual champions Côte d’Ivoire.

Born on November 11, 1977, Chelle is of Ivorian, French, and Malian heritage. His appointment marks a significant step for the Super Eagles as they prepare for the challenges ahead.