Eric Chelle set to arrive in Nigeria for Official Unveiling as Super Eagles Coach
Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, is expected to arrive in Nigeria in the coming days for his official unveiling.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, marking an important step in the national team’s preparations for future competitions.
Chelle, who previously managed Mali, takes over from Augustine Eguavoen, who was the caretaker coach for the final four months of 2024. Under Eguavoen, the Super Eagles successfully qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Now, Chelle has the task of leading Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At 47 years old, the French-Malian coach has a modest but promising coaching career. Last year, he led Mali to the quarterfinals of AFCON and has also managed several lower-league French clubs.
Before this appointment, Chelle was head coach of Algerian top-flight club MC Oran. However, he mutually agreed to part ways with the club this week to focus on his new role with Nigeria.
Although the NFF has not revealed the details of Chelle’s contract, reports suggest he will sign a two-year deal, covering the remaining World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Chelle’s agent has already arrived in Nigeria to finalise the terms of the agreement.
Chelle is currently in Algeria, finishing his commitments with MC Oran. He is expected to travel to Paris, France, on Wednesday, January 8, before heading to Nigeria for the official unveiling.
Journalist Ojora Babatunde shared Chelle’s itinerary, stating, “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.”
Chelle is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Sunday, accompanied by three assistants who have worked with him during his time at Mali and MC Oran.
Nigeria’s next World Cup qualifiers are scheduled for March, with key fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The NFF will be hoping that Chelle’s appointment brings fresh energy to the team’s preparations as they target success on the global stage.
