Eric Chelle Super Eagles coach is currently trending in Nigeria following the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announcement of his appointment as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The 47-year-old Malian, a former footballer turned manager, recently led Mali through the last eight games of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Before Chelle’s appointment, the Super Eagles were without a permanent coach after former head coach George Findi resigned. During this period, NFF Technical Director Austine Eguavoen stepped in as interim coach, successfully guiding the team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The decision to appoint Éric Sékou Chelle as the head coach was endorsed by the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, following a recommendation from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
At a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, January 2, 2025, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended the appointment of Eric Chelle, former head coach of Mali’s senior national team, as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles. This recommendation was officially endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday, January 7.
Chelle, who earned five caps for the Malian national team (Aiglons), has a diverse coaching background, having managed clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He has been the head coach of the Aiglons since 2022.
Under his leadership, Mali had an impressive run at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot. They were edged out by the hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, in a 2-1 extra-time defeat, despite leading until the final minute of regular time.
The 47-year-old Eric Chelle had a notable playing career in France, featuring for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. His appointment as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles takes effect immediately, with the crucial task of leading the team to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. The next round of qualifiers, Matchdays 5 and 6, is scheduled for March.
Despite the official endorsement, Eric Chelle’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions among Super Eagles fans. Many have voiced their displeasure on social media. One Twitter user, @TonyIshola, questioned, “Nigeria couldn’t find a coach out of all the talents in Nigeria but has to go to Mali??? Make it make sense!!!”
Similarly, @Hardey60 expressed frustration, saying, “This @thenff won’t stop amazing me. Went from Ivory Coast to France then to Mali to hire a coach for the Super Eagles. What’s super in the 🦅 again?”
On the other hand, some supporters have shown optimism and support for Chelle’s appointment. User @onuche11515 tweeted, “Congratulations to the @thenff, @NGSuperEagles, and the entire @official_nesc. God’s vision in their lives won’t let them down. We are confident Chelle will do it, and the eagle will stage a comeback once again.”
As the Super Eagles prepare for the next phase of their journey, fans are hopeful that Eric Chelle’s leadership will bring renewed vigour and success to the team, paving the way for a brighter future.
