Mixed reactions as NFF appoint Mali’s Eric Chelle as Super Eagles coach

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has named Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the NFF confirmed that Chelle’s appointment followed the endorsement of the Federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee by the Executive Committee.

Chelle, a former Malian international with five caps for the Aiglons of Mali, brings a wealth of coaching experience.

He has managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. Since 2022, he has served as the head coach of the Malian national team, leading them to an impressive run at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

Under Chelle’s leadership, Mali came close to securing a semi-final spot in the 2023 AFCON, losing 2-1 to the hosts and eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, after extra time.

The team’s performance under Chelle demonstrated tactical discipline and resilience, qualities the NFF hopes he will bring to the Super Eagles.

In his playing career, the 47-year-old Chelle featured for notable French clubs, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais, earning a reputation as a reliable defender.

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The NFF highlighted that Chelle’s immediate responsibility will be to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The next round of qualifying matches is scheduled for March, leaving Chelle little time to acclimatize to his new role.

Chelle’s appointment has sparked diverse reactions from football analysts and fans.

Dr. Segun Ajayi, Sports Analyst and Commentator: “Chelle’s achievements with Mali show promise. He has a solid understanding of African football dynamics, and his ability to take Mali to the brink of AFCON semi-finals speaks volumes about his tactical acumen. However, coaching the Super Eagles comes with immense pressure. Nigeria’s footballing expectations are high, and he will need to deliver quickly.”

Amara Nwosu, Former Nigerian International: “It’s a bold move by the NFF to appoint someone relatively new to the Nigerian football scene. Chelle’s familiarity with African football is a plus, but the Super Eagles require a coach who can unify a team filled with both domestic and international stars. Time will tell if Chelle can manage the egos and build a cohesive unit.”

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John Ikenna, Football Journalist: “The timing of this appointment is critical. With World Cup qualifiers just months away, Chelle must hit the ground running. The NFF needs to provide him with the support required to succeed, including proper preparation, access to players, and logistical backing.”

Nigerian football fans have expressed mixed emotions on social media. While some are optimistic about Chelle’s ability to inject fresh ideas into the Super Eagles, others have questioned the decision to appoint a coach with no prior ties to Nigerian football.

“Why not appoint someone who understands Nigerian football culture? This feels like another experiment,” a fan tweeted.

Another commented, “Chelle did well with Mali. Let’s give him a chance. What matters is performance, not nationality.”

Chelle’s tenure begins immediately, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as his first major test.

As Nigeria prepares to face its upcoming challenges, all eyes will be on Chelle to see if he can restore the Super Eagles to their former glory.

The NFF has assured fans that Chelle will receive all necessary support to succeed in his role, emphasizing that his appointment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the team’s performance on the global stage.