NFF to Announce Eric Chelle as Super Eagles’ coach Monday

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has scheduled to announce Eric Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles at an unveiling ceremony on Monday at 11 a.m. at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

This announcement comes less than a week after the NFF confirmed the Franco-Malian as the team’s new Head Coach. Despite some skepticism about Chelle’s capabilities, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in his potential.

“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau stated on Sunday via a post on the NFF’s website.

“However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles. The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job.”

During the unveiling ceremony, Chelle’s backroom staff will also be announced. The team will first lead the Super Eagles B squad in next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa, followed by the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles, currently fifth in their group, are four points behind the leaders after a disappointing start to the campaign. However, they can turn things around in March, starting with an away match in Rwanda before hosting Zimbabwe.

Chelle brings a wealth of experience to the role, having guided Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during his tenure as head coach from 2022. He also has experience managing clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.