The Nigeria Football Federation will announce Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, according to a statement posted on the NFF website on Sunday.
Chelle’s appointment was confirmed by the NFF Executive Committee last Tuesday, following a recommendation from the Technical and Development Committee.
The 47-year-old Franco-Malian is taking on one of the most scrutinized posts in world football, but NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has voiced faith in Chelle’s ability to guide the Super Eagles to new heights.
“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been different reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau told the media on Sunday.
“However, the NFF 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,” a spokesperson said. Chelle’s first challenge will be to lead the Super Eagles B in the forthcoming African Nations Championship in East Africa next month.
Following that, the focus will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with key matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.
The unveiling ceremony on Monday will also include the announcement of Chelle’s coaching staff, whose knowledge will be critical for the final six World Cup qualifying matches.
According to the announcement, Chelle brings extensive experience to the position, having led Mali’s Aiglons to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
He just resigned his role as manager of Algerian club MC Oran, where he had overseen the 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists, to take up the Super Eagles job.
Meanwhile, former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba has thrown his support behind the newly hired coach, encouraging Nigerians to support Chelle as he prepares to lead the national team.