- Eric Chelle’s first assignments include leading the Super Eagles B team at the 2024 CHAN and guiding the squad through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- The NFF has promised full support to Chelle and his coaching team to achieve success with the Super Eagles
- The 47-year-old tactician described his decision to manage the Super Eagles as selfish but motivated by the team’s global stature
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, following recommendations from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
The announcement, however, has ignited a range of emotions among Nigerian football enthusiasts, with the Federation urging fans to unite in support of the new coach.
In a statement, the NFF acknowledged the mixed reactions to Chelle’s appointment, attributing them to Nigerians’ unparalleled passion for football. The Federation called for collective backing, stressing that success could only be achieved through unity.
“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. 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,” read the statement.
The NFF also assured fans that Chelle would be provided with all the necessary resources to succeed,
“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” the statement added.
At his official unveiling scheduled for Monday, January 13, Chelle’s assistant coaches will also be announced. His coaching team’s initial focus will be on the Super Eagles B squad at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in East Africa, followed by Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The qualifiers begin in March, with an away match against Rwanda and a home fixture against Zimbabwe, marking the start of a critical journey for the team under Chelle’s leadership.
The 47-year-old Valenciennes FC legend and former head coach of Mali expressed his excitement about the opportunity to manage the Super Eagles. Speaking candidly after leaving his role at Algeria’s MC Oran, he described his decision as both selfish and ambitious, emphasising the magnitude of the role,
“I have the chance to join the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world. It’s true that I’m very selfish. But once again, I thank the Algerians, as well as the Oran public for the welcome,” Chelle said.
His time at MC Oran ended on a high note, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over USM Sétif that secured a quarter-final spot in the Algeria Cup. Chelle expressed gratitude to the club's management, staff, and players for their unwavering support during his tenure.
Chelle’s appointment comes with significant expectations. He is tasked with guiding Nigeria through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and leading them to glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Having previously led Mali’s national team to the brink of the 2023 AFCON semi-finals, Chelle’s tactical expertise and leadership will be pivotal in meeting these ambitious goals.
“I rushed to meet his dad,” ex-NFF boss Pinnick reflects on convincing Lookman to join Super Eagles
Previously, TheRadar reported that Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has revealed the extensive efforts that culminated in Ademola Lookman’s first competitive appearance for the Super Eagles in March 2022.
The revelation comes after Lookman was crowned African Footballer of the Year on Monday, December 16 in Morocco, a milestone Pinnick regards as validation of the groundwork laid during his tenure.
