Eric Chelle: 10 things you need to know about new Super Eagles head coach

By Wale Mustapha

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed Malian football tactician Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, replacing Augustine Eguavoen, who held the role in an acting capacity for over three months.

Chelle’s appointment comes after his notable success with the Mali national team and a strong reputation in coaching.

Here are 10 things you should know about Eric Chelle:

1. From Mali: Eric Chelle is a Malian national and will be the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles.
2. Takes Over from Eguavoen: Chelle is stepping in as the substantive head coach, following Augustine Eguavoen’s interim stint after George Finidi’s resignation.
3. Playing Career: Chelle’s playing career was spent entirely in the French leagues, where he represented Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. He earned just five caps for the Mali national team.
4. Coaching Journey: Before taking charge of the Mali national team in 2022, Chelle coached several teams in France’s lower divisions, including GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne.
5. AFCON Quarter-Final Achievement: Under Chelle, Mali made an impressive quarter-final finish at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they were knocked out by eventual winners, Ivory Coast. This performance elevated his profile.
6. Viral Moment: After the loss to Ivory Coast, Chelle’s emotional reaction became a viral moment on social media, where he was seen squatting by the pitch, hyperventilating, and being comforted by his assistants, who poured water on his head.
7. Super Eagles’ Challenge: Chelle takes over a Super Eagles team that is in danger of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently sitting in fifth place in Group C of the qualifiers with no wins after four matches.
8. Upcoming Fixtures: Chelle’s first games in charge will be in March, where Nigeria will face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of World Cup qualifiers.
9. CHAN 2024: In addition to World Cup qualifiers, Chelle will also be in charge of Nigeria’s team at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is for home-based players.
10. Managerial Record: Chelle’s managerial career spans 148 matches, with a record of 67 wins, 40 draws, and 41 losses, giving him a win percentage of 45.27%.

Chelle’s appointment has sparked a mix of anticipation and challenge, as he takes on the task of reviving the fortunes of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, with the team facing crucial qualifiers ahead.