Soccer
Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, is set to arrive in the country for his official unveiling in the coming days, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, taking a significant step in the national team’s preparations for upcoming competitions.
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Chelle, who previously coached Mali, replaces Augustine Eguavoen, who served as caretaker coach for the final four months of 2024.
During his tenure, Eguavoen successfully led the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Now, the responsibility of steering Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico falls to Chelle.
The 47-year-old French-Malian coach has a modest but promising track record.
Last year, he guided Mali to the quarterfinals of AFCON and has managed several lower-league French clubs.
Until his recent appointment, Chelle was head coach of MC Oran, a top-flight Algerian club. However, he parted ways with the club by mutual consent this week to focus on his new role with Nigeria.
While the NFF has not disclosed the specifics of his contract, reports suggest Chelle will sign a two-year deal covering the remaining 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
His agent has reportedly arrived in Nigeria to finalise the terms of the agreement.
Chelle is currently in Algeria, wrapping up his commitments with MC Oran.
He is expected to travel to Paris, France, today, Wednesday, January 8, before heading to Nigeria for his unveiling.
Speaking on his itinerary, journalist Ojora Babatunde said,
“Eric Chelle will leave Oran, Algeria tomorrow for Paris, France before departing for Nigeria for the official unveiling of his appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation.”
The coach is anticipated to arrive in Nigeria on Sunday, accompanied by three assistants who have been part of his team during his time with Mali and MC Oran.
Nigeria’s next World Cup qualifiers are scheduled for March, with crucial fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The NFF will be hoping Chelle’s appointment injects fresh momentum into the team’s preparations as they aim for success on the global stage.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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