Éric Chelle begins journey on hot seat of Super Eagles' job

Posted : 14 January 2025

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday unveiled the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Sékou Chelle, with the President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, reiterating his call for Nigerians to come together and support the coach, while promising that the football-governing body would give Chelle all the support needed to succeed in his assignment.

At a colorful ceremony inside the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Gusau said he is impressed by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days, and he is counting on him to instill the same go-getter attitude in the Super Eagles to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

“I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level. He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself.

“Coach Chelle recognizes and appreciates what lies ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there to give him the necessary support all the way.”

Gusau disclosed that the tactician has signed a two-year contract, with the option of an additional year if he qualifies the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Chelle has also come into the job with three assistants and will work with the current crew to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand.

He will be with the Super Eagles B – which is preparing for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship – but only in a supervisory role.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF.

“Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy.

"On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr. Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job.

“The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, as the government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF.

"The NFF is saddled with that responsibility; the government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job.”

Chelle, who earned five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a playing career that also saw him play for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais, said he is excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football teams.

“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC, and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.

“Football is about scoring goals, so I favor an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Also present at the occasion were Mr. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development; Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical & Development Committee; Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary; Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, NFF Deputy General Secretary; Coach Augustine Eguavoen, Technical Director; NFF Congressmen Barr.

Others included Paul Edeh and Hassan Wada; Dr. Ademola Olajire, Director of Media & Communications; Mr. Paulinus Anameje, Director of Finance & Admin; Barr. Okey Obi, Director of Legal Services; Ms. Ruth David, Director of Competitions; Mr. Mathew Iyere, Auditor; Mr. Alizor Chuks, Head of Marketing; Mr. Rajan Zaka, DD Finance and Admin; Mr. Emmanuel Ayanbunmi, AD Protocol; and special advisers and special assistants of the NSC.

List of Super Eagles Coaches in History:

- John Finch (England) – 1949
- Daniel Anyiam (Nigeria) – 1954-1956; 1964-1965
- Les Courtier (England) – 1956-1960
- Moshe Beit Halevi (Israel) – 1960-1961
- George Vardar (Hungary) – 1961-1963
- Joey Blackwell (England) – 1963–1964
- József Ember (Hungary) – 1965-1968
- Sabino Barinaga (Spain) – 1968-1969
- Peter ‘Eto’ Amaechina (Nigeria) – 1969-1970
- Karl-Heinz Marotzke (Germany) – 1970-1971; 1974
- Jorge Penna (Brazil) – 1972-1973
- Jelisavčić ‘Father Tiko’ Tihomir (Yugoslavia) – 1974-1978
- Otto Glória (Brazil) – 1979-1982
- Gottlieb Göller (Germany) – 1981
- Adegboye Onigbinde (Nigeria) – 1983-1984; 2002
- Chris Udemezue (Nigeria) – 1984-1986
- Patrick Ekeji (Nigeria) – 1985
- Paul Hamilton (Nigeria) – 1987; 1989
- Manfred Höner (Germany) – 1988-1989
- Clemens Westerhof (Netherlands) – 1989-1994
- Amodu Shaibu (Nigeria) – 1994-1995; 1996-1997; 2001-2002; 2008-2010
- Johannes Bonfrere (Netherlands) – 1995-1996; 1999-2001
- Philippe Troussier (France) – 1997
- Monday Sinclair (Nigeria) – 1997-1998
- Bora Milutinović (Yugoslavia) – 1998
- Thijs Libregts (Netherlands) – 1999
- Christian Chukwu (Nigeria) – 2002-2005
- Augustine Eguavoen (Nigeria) – 2005-2007; 2010; 2022
- Berti Vogts (Germany) – 2007-2008
- Lars Lagerbäck (Sweden) – 2010
- Samson Siasia (Nigeria) – 2010-2011; 2016
- Stephen Keshi (Nigeria) – 2011-2014; 2015
- Sunday Oliseh (Nigeria) – 2015-2016
- Gernot Rohr (Germany) – 2016-2021
- José Peseiro (Portugal) – 2022-2024
- Finidi George (Nigeria) – 2024
- Éric Sékou Chelle (France) – 2025-?

Éric Chelle begins journey on hot seat of Super Eagles' job

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