NFF mandates new Eagles’ coach É𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 to secure World Cup ticket
By Olaolu Joseph
Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has been tasked with ensuring Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
An inside source informed Western Post that one of the major factors behind the former Malian coach’s appointment was his strong commitment to securing a World Cup ticket and getting the team back on track.
Nigeria currently faces a precarious position following a poor run in the World Cup qualifiers. However, the French-Malian coach has vowed to turn the situation around.
Chelle aims to make a strong start when he leads the Super Eagles in crucial matchday 5 and 6 fixtures of the World Cup qualifiers.
The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) approved Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, during its meeting in Abuja. This followed a recommendation by the Technical and Development Sub-Committee on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Chelle, 47, is a former Malian international with five caps for the Aiglons of Mali. He brings significant coaching experience, having managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. In 2022, he took charge of Mali’s senior national team.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali team came close to reaching the semi-finals but suffered a 2-1 extra-time loss to the host nation and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, after leading until the final minute of regulation time.
As a player, Chelle enjoyed a successful career in France, representing clubs including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
His tenure as the head coach of the Super Eagles takes immediate effect.
