Chelle pledges attacking style, signs two-year contract

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday unveiled Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

At the unveiling ceremony, which took place inside the Media Conference Room at the MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja, Chelle expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying it is a dream come true to get the job as the Super Eagles had been his favourite team when he was growing up.

Chelle said: “I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the National Sports Commission (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 favour an attacking style,” he said. “I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

With six World Cup qualifying matches remaining, Chelle emphasised the importance of players’ commitment and the urgency of the task at hand.

Chelle was appointed as the new coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team last Tuesday, following a recommendation from the NFF’s Technical and Development Committee.

He becomes the third coach to take charge of the team since the departure of Portuguese coach José Peseiro.

According to the NFF, the 47-year-old and his assistants will lead the Super Eagles B team at next month’s African Nations Championship in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, before focusing on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins with matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.

Speaking earlier at the unveiling, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability