Nigeria unveils new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially unveiled Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles during a ceremony at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Chelle, a former Mali international and head coach, makes history as the first non-Nigerian African to take the reins of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, a move that has elicited mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike.

The 47-year-old was confirmed as the Super Eagles’ manager last week, becoming the 42nd official head coach in the team’s history.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as the Super Eagles currently find themselves struggling in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Presently, Nigeria occupies the fifth position in Group C, having garnered only three points from four matches without a single win.

Chelle faces the challenge of revitalizing Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions and rebuilding morale among players and supporters.

Alongside his World Cup duties, he will also lead the home-based Super Eagles in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on a supervisory role.

Despite facing criticism, Chelle is determined to enhance Nigeria’s competitive stature on both the continental and global stages.