Nigeria selects Éric Chelle, a former Mali coach, to coach the Super Eagles.

Éric Chelle has been named the Super Eagles’ new head coach by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The NFF Technical and Development Subcommittee suggested Chelle for the role, and the NFF Executive Committee later approved the recommendation, leading to the decision.

Having coached the Mali national team in the past, Chelle has extensive knowledge of African football. Mali lost to hosts Cote d’Ivoire by a slim margin in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, which he led. In June 2024, Chelle resigned as coach of Mali.

In addition, the 47-year-old French-Malian coach has managed a number of French clubs, such as Boulogne, FC Martigues, and GS Consolat. Chelle played for a number of French teams, such as Lens, Valenciennes, and Martigues.

Jose Peseiro, who led the squad to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final before being dismissed by interim manager Finidi George, will be succeeded by Chelle.

Chelle’s appointment is effective immediately, and his job will be to lead the Super Eagles to FIFA World Cup qualification in 2026. The Super Eagles’ upcoming World Cup qualifying round in March will be his first significant test.