NFF Unveils Eric Chelle as New Super Eagles Coach Amid Mixed Reactions

The uncertainty surrounding the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles will finally be resolved on Monday, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to officially unveil the former Mali coach. The unveiling ceremony will take place at the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, starting at 11 am. Chelle’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some supporters hopeful for the success he could bring to the national team, while others remain critical of the decision, especially in light of his foreign nationality.

The NFF announced Eric Chelle’s appointment last Tuesday, following recommendations from the Technical and Development Committee, making him the third coach to take charge of the Super Eagles since the departure of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro. Chelle, a 47-year-old experienced coach, will not only lead the Super Eagles B at the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda but will also focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which begin with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025.

Eric Chelle’s Coaching Journey: From Mali to Super Eagles

Eric Chelle’s coaching journey has been filled with notable achievements, particularly during his tenure as the head coach of the Mali national team. Under his leadership, the Mali team reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, narrowly losing to the host nation, 2-1, after leading 1-0 until stoppage time. His success with Mali included a strong record of 14 wins, five draws, and only three defeats in 22 matches, including a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in a friendly match in March 2024.

Before taking over as the Super Eagles coach, Chelle was with Algerian club MC Oran, where he led the team to a 1-0 victory over USM Setif in the Algerian Cup round of 32. However, his departure from the club was somewhat delayed by his ongoing two-year contract, which he signed in October 2024. In his farewell message to the club, Eric Chelle expressed his gratitude to the management, players, and staff, acknowledging the mutual respect that led to the conclusion of his tenure at MC Oran.

Mixed Reactions and Support for Chelle’s Appointment

The appointment of Eric Chelle has not been without controversy, with many Nigerians voicing concerns over the choice of a foreign coach for the national team. While some critics have questioned why a Nigerian coach was not given the opportunity, others have expressed optimism, citing Chelle’s previous success with Mali and his potential to bring a fresh perspective to the Super Eagles. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau responded to the criticism, acknowledging the passion that Nigerians have for the game and urging the public to unite in supporting Chelle.

Gusau emphasized that the NFF believes Chelle possesses the qualities needed to succeed with the Super Eagles, noting that the NFF will provide him with the necessary resources and backing to succeed. Despite the mixed reception, some supporters, particularly on social media, have called for a chance to see Eric Chelle work with the team. One social media user, under the handle “ph towncrier,” expressed confidence in Chelle’s abilities, pointing to his success with the Mali national team as evidence of his capability. However, concerns about the NFF’s financial management and corruption have also been raised, with some questioning the transparency surrounding the funds allocated for the national team’s development.

The Road Ahead: A Crucial Test for Chelle

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March 2025, Eric Chelle’s appointment comes at a critical time for the Super Eagles. Nigeria faces a challenging road ahead, with six remaining matches in the World Cup qualification campaign. The pressure will be on Chelle to deliver positive results, especially after the Super Eagles’ disappointing performances in recent years. The upcoming CHAN tournament, which will feature the Super Eagles B team, will serve as an important opportunity for Chelle to test his strategies and build a solid foundation for the senior team.

While there are still questions about his ability to handle the high expectations of managing Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, Chelle’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Super Eagles. As Nigerians await his official unveiling and first matches in charge, all eyes will be on Chelle to see whether he can steer the Super Eagles back to the top of African football and secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.