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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Éric Sékou Chelle will be officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Super Eagles on Monday, January 15, Soccernet.football reports.
The event will take place at 11:00 am in the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Chelle’s appointment was ratified last Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee following a recommendation by its Technical and Development Committee.
The 47-year-old Franco-Malian brings a wealth of experience, having previously guided Mali’s Aiglons to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. He recently left his role at Algerian club MC Oran to take up the Super Eagles job.
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau expressed optimism about Chelle’s ability to lead Nigeria’s national team to success.
“We understand that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been varying reactions to his appointment,” Gusau said in a statement on Sunday.
“However, the NFF appeals to Nigerians to unite and support Coach Chelle. We are confident he possesses the qualities needed to achieve great things with the Super Eagles.”
Gusau also pledged full support from the NFF, ensuring Chelle has all the resources required to excel.
Chelle’s immediate task will be to prepare the Super Eagles B team for the African Nations Championship in East Africa next month.
His focus will then shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with critical fixtures against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Abuja scheduled for March.
The unveiling ceremony will also feature the announcement of Chelle’s backroom staff, whose roles will be pivotal for the remaining six matches of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has called for unity and support for the new coach, stating, “Éric Chelle deserves our backing as he embarks on this challenging yet exciting journey.”
With his unveiling just hours away, Chelle faces the daunting task of navigating one of the most demanding jobs in African football.
Nigerian fans will be watching closely, hopeful that the former Mali international can inspire the Super Eagles to glory.
