BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Éric Sékou Chelle born in Cote d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother is the new coach of the Super Eagles.
Last year, he led Mali to beat Nigeria for the first time in 50 years. He becomes the first African outside Nigeria to handle Nigeria’s lead football brand, the Super Eagles.
This is the sequel to the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation endorsing the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
He had previously handled Mali and was in charge last year when Mali beat Nigeria 2-0 in Morocco. Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 after extra time, after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.
The 47-year-old featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais in France during his playing career.
His appointment is with immediate effect, and he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the next round of matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) taking place in March.
