By Miracle Ogunde
It is no longer news that the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the men’s senior national team, Super Eagles.
Last year, the 47-year-old led Mali to their first win over the Super Eagles in 50 years, and.has since caught the attention of Nigerian football supporters.
Below are important information to know about the new coach, gathered by Starnews NG as he takes over the affairs of the men’s national team:
- Sékou Chelle hails from Mali.
- He is the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles.
- He led his nation to a quarter-final finish at AFCON 2023. It was a great milestone for the Malian team.
- Before taking over the Malian national team in 2022, Chelle managed several teams in the lower tiers of French football. They include GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne.
- Chelle won only five caps during his playing career. But he played for French sides such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.
- The 47-year-old will take over from Austine Eguavoen who has been interim boss of the Eagles. However, he is the next permanent coach of the team after Finidi George, who stepped down from the role.
- Chelle takes over a Nigerian team at the risk of not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The three-time African champions are currently fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, winless after four games.
- His first games in charge will be in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of qualifiers.
- Chelle will also be in charge of Nigeria’steam at the 2024 African Nations Championship, CHAN.
- Chelle’s managerial career reflects a record of 67 wins, 40 draws, and 41 losses, giving him a win percentage of 45.27%.
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