The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled Malian tactician Eric Sekou Chelle as the new and 37th head coach of the Nigeria senior national football team, the Super Eagles.
He was presented to journalists at a press conference held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.
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Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko; President of the NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau; Technical Committee members of the NFF, led by the Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen; and several chairmen of State FAs participated in the occasion.
The appointment, which was announced last week by the NFF, generated some mixed reactions from Nigerians, even when NFF officials insisted that the choice was the best they could make, thus soliciting support from Nigerians.
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According to the NFF, the new coach is expected to work with five assistants, three from his side and two from the NFF, for a period of two years, subject to extension.
The NFF President, in his welcome remarks, said that some level of ignorance followed the barrage of criticism, describing the responses as an indication of strong interest from Nigerians in sports, particularly football.
“We expected the criticism from Nigerians. We equally understand how passionate Nigerians are when it comes to the issue of football. From Tuesday last week till today, we have received serious criticism from the conventional and social media.
“But let me assure Nigerians that the new coach, Eric Chelle, is competent enough, and he’s here to work. He is here to give us results. The process of appointing a coach is not a one-man decision. We gave the Technical Committee the task, and they delivered. They did due diligence, provided a report which was critically examined and endorsed by the NSC. We have deep confidence in the coach to deliver.
He admitted the huge task ahead, particularly in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, promising that his team is committed to the task ahead and will ensure that Nigeria’s flag is proudly flown at the 2026 World Cup tournament.
“We appreciate the reactions from Nigerians. But based on previous records, there has never been a time when a coach was appointed that negative and positive reactions did not follow. But at the NFF, we want someone who understands the mentality of African football, and that, perhaps, informed the decision of the Technical Committee to hire Eric Chelle.”
He solicited the support and prayers of Nigerians to ensure the new coach succeeds, particularly in ensuring that the flag of Nigeria is flown at the World Cup.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, in his remarks, explained that Eric Chelle is the best choice for the Super Eagles at the moment, thus neutralising the belief that it was a bad decision for the Super Eagles.
“His records are good, and besides, he has good knowledge of African football. In the coming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, we would be playing African teams. So, we don’t want someone who will take longer to acclimatise with the team. We don’t have that time, because the new coach is going straight to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“You may wish to know that Eric Chelle took a pay cut to be here, and that’s not because he doesn’t have a job. It’s because he’s committed to developing Nigerian football.”
He assured him of the support of all stakeholders to ensure his success in the new task.
Dikko further confirmed that the new Super Eagles coach will be joining the Super Eagles Team B (CHAN Eagles) at their camp in a supervisory role.
Responding to questions from journalists, the job of coaching the Super Eagles is an honour for him, assuring Nigerians that he’s ready and committed to work.
He disclosed that he will play more attacking football with the Super Eagles, leveraging the quality of players in the team, and the support he’s expecting from the football managers in Nigeria.
