Why We Hired Eric Chelle as Super Eagles coach – NFF President

• NFF president Ibrahim Gusau expresses confidence in Eric Chelle’s understanding of African football.
• Chelle appointed Super Eagles coach with a two-year deal, aiming for 2026 World Cup qualification.
• Chelle’s contract includes an option for extension if he secures World Cup spot for Nigeria.

Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), expressed optimism that new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s understanding of African football would help him secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Chelle was introduced as the 37th coach of the Super Eagles on Monday during a brief ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, one week after his appointment.

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The coach was handed a two-year contract with an option to extend for another year if he successfully leads Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At the unveiling, Gusau highlighted his confidence in Chelle, emphasizing the positive interactions they’ve had recently, and assured that the NFF would provide the necessary support for his success.

“Eric is here to work and I want to assure all Nigerians that if Eric can give us what happened in Mali, by the grace of God we are going to the World Cup,” Gusau said.

“There is no coach in the history of Nigerian football that didn’t have this kind of issue. Look at Westerhof, how did he come to Nigeria? What was his record of Bonfrère Jo when he came to Nigeria? But the key thing is we want somebody that understands the mentality of African football.

“We are ready to give him all the support that he needs to execute his job without hitches and I know we will get the results.”

Eric Chelle’s tenure as Super Eagles coach will officially begin in March, coinciding with the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.

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Currently sitting fifth in their group with just three points from four matches, Nigeria will travel to Rwanda on March 17 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 24.

Chelle, who earned five caps for Mali, has previously managed clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Chelle’s Mali team narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot, losing 2-1 after extra time to the hosts, who went on to win the tournament, despite leading until the final minute of regular time.

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