Breaking: NFF unveil Chelle as Super Eagles coach

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to officially unveil Mr Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles on Monday.

The event will take place at the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, at 11am.

This was announced in a statement posted on the NFF website on Sunday.

Chelle’s appointment was confirmed last Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation from its Technical and Development Committee.

The 47-year-old Franco-Malian is stepping into one of the most scrutinised roles in world football, but NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to lead the Super Eagles to new heights.

“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been different reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau said on Sunday.

“However, the NFF appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.”

Gusau further assured Nigerians that the Federation would provide the necessary backing to ensure Chelle’s success.

“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” he added.

Chelle’s first challenge will be leading the Super Eagles B at the upcoming African Nations Championship in East Africa next month.

After that, the focus will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.

The unveiling ceremony on Monday will also feature the announcement of Chelle’s coaching staff, whose expertise will be crucial for the remaining six matches of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

According to the statement, Chelle brings a wealth of experience to the role, having guided Mali’s Aiglons to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

He recently left his position at Algerian club MC Oran, where he had been managing the 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists, to accept the Super Eagles job.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba has thrown his support behind the newly appointed coach, urging Nigerians to back Chelle as he prepares to take charge of the national team.