Eric Chelle is set to officially take the reins as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles at a highly anticipated unveiling ceremony on Monday, January 15, 2025, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The event, scheduled for 11 a.m., marks the beginning of a new chapter for the national team under the leadership of the Franco-Malian coach.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Chelle’s appointment less than a week ago, drawing both praise and skepticism from fans and pundits alike. Despite the mixed reactions, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau remains resolute in his belief that Chelle is the right man for the job. “We appreciate the passion Nigerians have for football, and we understand the various reactions to Coach Chelle’s appointment. However, we call on all Nigerians to rally behind him. We are confident he has the qualities to lead the Super Eagles to success,” Gusau stated on Sunday via the NFF’s official website.
The unveiling will also introduce Chelle’s backroom staff, who will play a crucial role in preparing the team for upcoming competitions. The Super Eagles B squad will first compete in next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa, followed by the more high-profile 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Currently sitting in fifth place in their group and trailing the leaders by four points, the Super Eagles are looking to turn their fortunes around in March, with crucial away and home fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, respectively.
Chelle, 47, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as Mali’s head coach since 2022. Under his guidance, Mali reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost to eventual champions Côte d’Ivoire. A former defender with five caps for Mali’s national team, Chelle has also managed several clubs, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.
As Nigeria’s new head coach, Chelle faces high expectations but also a golden opportunity to restore the Super Eagles’ dominance on the continental and global stage. The unveiling ceremony will set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and challenging journey ahead.
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