The Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF), has confirmed that Eric Chelle will be the new head coach of the national team.
Sékou Chelle, from Mali, is the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles.
He led his nation to a quarter-final finish at AFCON 2023. Mali making it into the last eight was a great milestone for the team. But they lost to hosts Ivory Coast in extra time.
Chelle’s reaction to the defeat against the Ivorians became a meme on social media. He was seen squatting by the pitch, hyperventilating. His assistants rushed to calm him down by pouring bottles of water on his head.
Before taking over the Malian national team in 2022, Chelle managed several teams in the lower tiers of French football. They include GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne.
During his playing career, Chelle won only five caps. But he played for French sides such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
The 47-year-old will take over from Austine Eguavoen who has been interim boss of the Eagles. However, he is the next permanent coach of the team after Finidi George, who stepped down from the role.
Chelle takes over a Nigerian team at the risk of not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The three-time African champions are currently fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, winless after four games.
His first games in charge will be in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of qualifiers.
Chelle will also be in charge of Nigeria’steam at the 2024 African Nations Championship, CHAN.
Chelle’s managerial career reflects a record of 67 wins, 40 draws, and 41 losses, giving him a win percentage of 45.27%.
