Éric Chelle has been formally appointed as the new head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, marking him as the 42nd individual to lead the team throughout its illustrious history.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held on Monday in the conference room of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi.
Chelle, a former defender for the Mali national team, has assumed a prominent position following his resignation as the head coach of the Algerian club MC Oran.
At the age of 47, he has made history by becoming the first non-Nigerian African to lead the three-time African champions.
Chelle, who was born in Côte d’Ivoire to Malian parents and possesses dual citizenship in Mali and France, brings extensive experience from both his playing and coaching careers across Africa and Europe.
During his introduction, Chelle conveyed his pride and excitement about taking on the role of head coach for the Super Eagles.
“I am immensely proud and honored to be appointed as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. Nigeria boasts a rich history filled with exceptional players such as Ikpeba, Amokachi, Amuneke, Yekini, Oliseh, Eguavoen, Finidi, West, Obi Mikel, and Babangida,” he stated.
“As a fan during that era, I am equally thrilled about this new generation, including Lookman, Osimhen, and others, and I look forward to being part of this journey.”
The coach also articulated his goal of transforming the Super Eagles into a formidable attacking team.
I take great pleasure in scoring goals. My teams consistently achieve high goal tallies, and the Super Eagles will certainly follow suit—we will find the back of the net,” Chelle stated with assurance.
Chelle’s appointment marks a significant turning point for Nigerian football, as he brings along a team of reliable support staff, including Hadi Taboubi as First Assistant, Thomas Gornourec as Fitness Trainer, and Jean Daniel Padovani as Goalkeeper Trainer.
Their collective mission is to rejuvenate a Super Eagles squad that is determined to excel in forthcoming competitions.
Chelle’s selection occurs at a pivotal moment for Nigerian football, as there are heightened expectations following the Super Eagles’ disappointing failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Nigerian Football Federation’s decision to appoint Chelle reflects their confidence in his capacity to unify the team, execute a successful strategy, and motivate a new generation of Nigerian players.
However, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has announced that coach Eric Chelle will assume a supervisory position rather than serve as the head coach of the CHAN team.
Gusau informed reporters, “Eric Chelle will be leaving Abuja for Ikenne Remo in Ogun State to join the camp of the home-based Eagles. He will engage in a supervisory capacity, allowing him to become acquainted with the players while collaborating closely with the coaching staff to manage the team’s operations.”
Chelle has been tasked with the crucial responsibility of managing the preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
