On Tuesday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) declared Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, the senior men’s national football team.

The Federation’s Executive Committee approved the suggestion of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for Chelle’s appointment, according to a statement released by NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire.

During its Thursday meeting in Abuja, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee suggested that the former coach of Mali’s senior men’s national team be named the Super Eagles’ next head coach.”The NFF Executive Committee approved this recommendation on Tuesday,” he stated. Since 2022, Chelle has served as the head coach of the Aiglons of Mali, having coached teams including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran and earning five caps for the team. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mali nearly advanced to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Côte d’Ivoire in February 2024.

The eventual winners, Côte d’Ivoire, who defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final, defeated them 2-1 in extra time. Up to the last minute of regulation time, they had a one-goal lead.

During his playing career, the 47-year-old Chelle played for Lens, Istres, Martigues, Valenciennes, and Chamois Niortais in France. Olajire went on to say that Chelle’s hiring was effective immediately because it is his job to lead the Super Eagles to a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. According to NAN, Nigeria needs to win to be eligible for a qualification ticket in the upcoming round of matches, which are scheduled for March and include Match Days 5 and 6.