The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finally announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
The 47-year-old French-Malian coach was recommended by the NFF Technical and Development sub-committee and approved by the Executive committee.
While Chelle’s appointment may not have been the most popular choice among Nigerian football fans, he will be tasked with leading the Super Eagles to the 2026 World Cup. But can he deliver?
Chelle’s coaching record is not exactly impressive. He was sacked as head coach of U.S Boulogne after just seven months on the job.
His stint as head coach of the Malian national team was also short-lived, as he was fired in June 2024 after the team finished fourth in Group I of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite his underwhelming coaching record, Chelle will be expected to work magic with the Super Eagles. The team has been without a substantive head coach for several months, and the fans are eager to see some positive changes.
The road to the 2026 World Cup will not be easy, but Chelle will be expected to navigate the team through the qualifiers and into the tournament proper. Only time will tell if he is up to the task.