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NFF Appoints Malian Eric Chelle as Super Eagles Head Coach

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Malian Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NFF confirmed Chelle’s appointment following the recommendation by its Technical and Development Sub-Committee on January 2, which was subsequently endorsed by the Executive Committee.

Chelle, 47, makes history as the first non-Nigerian African to take charge of the Super Eagles.

Before this appointment, Chelle served as Mali’s head coach at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his guidance, the team reached the quarter-finals but fell to the hosts in a dramatic extra-time loss. A memorable moment from the tournament was Chelle’s emotional reaction after the defeat, requiring his assistants to revive him with water.

Chelle’s managerial experience includes stints at French lower-league clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne before taking charge of Mali’s national team in 2022. As a player, he earned five caps for Mali and represented French clubs like Valenciennes, Lens, and Istres.

Effective immediately, Chelle’s priority will be steering the Super Eagles to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His debut challenge comes in March, as Nigeria faces Rwanda and Zimbabwe in crucial qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C and winless after four matches, making Chelle’s task a critical one as the team seeks to regain its footing on the road to the World Cup.

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