Football is about scoring goals – Chelle

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially unveiled Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles at a ceremony held Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

At the unveiling, Chelle expressed excitement over the role, stating, “Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style.”

The 47-year-old former Mali international signed a two-year contract, renewable upon successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chelle becomes the 42nd substantive head coach of the Super Eagles and faces the immediate challenge of reviving their struggling World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C with three points from four matches, having not yet won a qualifier. Chelle will also oversee the home-based Super Eagles in a supervisory capacity at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Ivory Coast.

NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to deliver, citing his understanding of African football.

“We want someone who understands the mentality of African people. Eric is here, and by the grace of God, he will deliver the results we need. All football stakeholders in Nigeria must rally around Eric and give him the support he needs,” Gusau stated, assuring Nigerians of the NFF’s full support.

He also confirmed that both the NFF and the National Sports Commission (NSC) are committed to providing Chelle with the necessary resources.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, affirmed the government’s support for Chelle’s appointment and praised the transparent recruitment process.

“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