NFF Names 47 Year Old Éric Sékou Chelle As New Head Coach For Super Eagles

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

This decision, endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025, followed recommendations from the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee, which convened in Abuja on January 2, 2025.

At 47, Chelle brings extensive experience to the role, having previously managed clubs including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. His international coaching credentials are highlighted by his success with Mali’s senior national team, where he guided them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

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Chelle’s playing career in France saw him represent several clubs, such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother, he was eligible to play for Côte d’Ivoire, France, and Mali, ultimately choosing to represent Mali, earning five caps before retiring.

As Mali’s head coach from 2022 to 2024, Chelle notched up an impressive record of 14 wins, five draws, and three losses before concluding his tenure in June 2024.

Chelle’s appointment comes in the wake of Finidi George’s resignation, which followed a series of disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Effective immediately, Chelle’s primary objective will be to lead Nigeria to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with crucial Matchday 5 and 6 qualifiers set for March