Eric Chelle Takes the Helm as Super Eagles Coach: A New Era for Nigerian Football

The winds of change are blowing through Nigerian football, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The Malian tactician brings with him a wealth of experience, both as a former player and as a seasoned manager, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in the Super Eagles’ story.

Chelle, 47, will earn a monthly stipend of $50,000 (approximately ₦38 million at an exchange rate of ₦760 to $1), while his assistants are set to receive $5,000 each (approximately ₦3.8 million). His two-year contract with the NFF is expected to be finalized this weekend when he arrives in Abuja. With his impressive resume and a clear mandate from the NFF, Chelle's tenure could mark a significant turning point for Nigerian football.

Image: Daniel Ogunmodede with his Manager of the month award in 2023 

The new Super Eagles head coach will not be working alone. Local coaching talents, Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, are expected to join the technical crew. Their inclusion reflects the NFF's commitment to blending international expertise with homegrown skills, a strategy aimed at injecting fresh energy into the national team setup.

Image: Fidelis Ilechukwu

Chelle’s first challenge comes in the form of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to take place from "February 1 to February 28, 2025." Nigeria will return to this prestigious competition after a six-year absence, following a hard-fought 3-1 aggregate victory over Ghana in the qualifiers. CHAN 2024, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, provides an early opportunity for Chelle to showcase his tactical prowess.

Image: NFF president Ibrahim Gusau

Speaking on the dual role of the Super Eagles coach, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau explained,

“We have come out with the policy that whoever we employ as the Super Eagles coach will also be the one to manage the affairs of the CHAN Eagles. We want players from the domestic league to be injected into the Super Eagles.”

Chelle’s appointment comes on the back of his impressive coaching credentials. He previously guided Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where his team narrowly lost 2-1 to the eventual champions in extra time. Additionally, his managerial experience spans stints at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.

As a player, Chelle had a distinguished career, representing clubs like Valenciennes, Lens, and Chamois Niortais. His deep understanding of the game from both player and managerial perspectives positions him well to tackle the challenges ahead.

Chelle’s primary task will be to lead Nigeria to success in CHAN 2024 and to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. The Super Eagles are eager to bounce back after a disappointing run in the qualifiers under previous coach Austine Eguavoen, who stepped in following Finidi George's resignation.

The CHAN 2024 draw is set to take place at the International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, next Wednesday, January 10, 2025. This marks the beginning of a critical journey for Chelle and the Super Eagles as they aim to reestablish themselves as a force in African football.

As Eric Chelle prepares to embark on his Nigerian journey, expectations are high. Fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see if the Malian strategist can unlock the full potential of the Super Eagles, blending domestic talent with international experience to bring glory back to Nigeria.

Will Chelle rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Nigerian football is entering an exciting new era.