Super eagles job: A mountain to climb for ‘ambitious’ Eric Sekou Chelle, by Olaolu Joseph

Newly appointed Super Eagles of Nigeria coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career as he begins his reign as the head coach of Africa’s most populous nation.

Unfortunately, his tenure starts with a significant assignment: reviving Nigeria’s fading chances of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with must-win qualifiers in March as his first task.

The 47-year-old Chelle was recently announced as Nigeria’s manager by the Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), making history as the first non-Nigerian African to assume the position. Chelle caught the NFF’s attention after leading Mali to a rare victory over Nigeria last year.

Still recovering from missing out on the last World Cup in Qatar, the NFF has mandated Chelle to secure qualification for the next mundial.

It is indeed a daunting task for Chelle, who must begin by winning his first match in charge in March. That is the only way to put the country back on track for possible qualification.

The Super Eagles are currently bottom of Group C, with no victories in four games—a narrative the Malian must change immediately.

He must grind out a win, not just for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes but also to ease the tension and division already generated by his appointment.

Typical of football-crazed Nigerians, Chelle’s appointment has been criticized by administrators, coaches, ex-internationals, fans, media, and even students, many of whom argue that the Malian does not match the standard of some indigenous coaches.

Amidst the criticism, some football enthusiasts, including former NFF President Amaju Melvin Pinnick, have a contrary opinion about Chelle. Pinnick believes the tactician has what it takes to succeed but will require the prayers and support of Nigerians.

Having led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, the focus now shifts to whether Chelle can lead Nigeria, one of Africa’s football giants, to success.

The Man Eric Sekou Chelle

Born in Ivory Coast to a French father and a Malian mother, Chelle spent his entire professional playing career in France, starting in the lower leagues with Martigues.

The centre-back moved to Valenciennes, helping the team win two consecutive league titles to reach the top flight in 2006. He later joined Lens in 2008 and enjoyed more success, with the club winning the Ligue 2 title in his debut season. Chelle was named in the Ligue 2 Team of the Year.

After retiring from football, he transitioned into coaching in 2014 as an assistant coach with GS Consolat (now Athletico Marseille), a French amateur club. Three years later, he rejoined Martigues as head coach before joining Boulogne in May 2021. However, his stint with Boulogne ended after seven months, following just one win in 10 games.

Stepping Up with Mali

Despite managing only in French lower divisions, Chelle boldly transitioned to international football. He was appointed Mali’s national team coach in May 2022, beating the likes of former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr and ex-Cameroon coach Winfried Schäfer to the job.

Chelle featured for the Malian national team only five times between 2004 and 2006 without appearing in any major tournament. Yet, he embraced the challenge of managing his country’s team, expressing joy and determination when he got the job.

Mali had an impressive run in qualifying for the 2023 AFCON, losing just one game and finishing as the second-highest scorers with 13 goals.

However, during the tournament, Chelle’s attacking 4-3-3 formation couldn’t take Mali past the quarter-finals. They suffered a heartbreaking defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire, conceding a 90th-minute equalizer and a 122nd-minute winner.

A poor start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with just one win in four games, led to Chelle’s dismissal by the Malian Football Federation in June 2024. His sacking sparked criticism from fans, players, and the media, who believed the decision was unjust.

Next: An ‘Enormous’ Challenge with Nigeria

Relieved of his job by Mali for a poor start to World Cup qualifiers, Chelle now faces a much bigger task: turning around the fortunes of another nation with an even worse start.

Since leaving Mali, his only managerial role was a brief and unsuccessful stint with Algerian club MC Oran. Now, he takes another leap to manage three-time AFCON champions Nigeria.

Results in the final six rounds of World Cup qualifiers will determine whether Chelle remains in charge for the 2025 AFCON, scheduled for December.

In addition, Chelle will oversee Nigeria’s domestic league players at next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.

While debates continue over his appointment, Chelle must focus on the job, tune out distractions, and deliver positive results to win over Nigerians.

To endear himself to the passionate football-loving nation, there is no shortcut—results are the only currency that matters.

Welcome aboard, and good luck, Eric Sekou Chelle.