Newly appointed Super Eagles Head Coach, Éric Sekou Chelle, has opened up about why he eagerly accepted the role, emphasising that it is an opportunity he could not miss, as the Nigerian senior national team is “without doubt the best in Africa.”
The former Mali coach ended his tenure with Algerian club MC Oran on a winning note over the weekend, securing a 1-0 victory against US Biskra at home.
“This was my last game in charge of MC Oran,” Chelle told Algerian sports media. “I worked with enthusiasm and, of course, the pressure. I will miss the fans, and also the critics.”
“I have officially joined Nigeria, who are without doubt the best team in Africa,” said Chelle, whose appointment has sparked significant criticism in the Nigerian sporting press.
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Chelle reiterated why he accepted the Nigerian job with such enthusiasm. “This is a huge opportunity I could not refuse. I grabbed it with both hands.”
The 47-year-old coach, who will receive a monthly salary of $50,000, is expected to arrive in Abuja today, accompanied by his three assistants, who will each earn $5,000 from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The official public presentation will take place on Monday.
The NFF will unveil the new Super Eagles head coach, Chelle, in a press conference scheduled for 11am at the media conference room of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Chelle’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation by the Football Federation’s Technical and Development Committee.
In a press release issued on Sunday and signed by the NFF’s Director of Communication, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF stated that it would also announce the names of Chelle’s assistants during Monday’s unveiling. The assistants will first lead the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa, before focusing on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, starting with matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.
The 47-year-old French-Malian will take on one of the hottest seats in world football. However, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau expressed confidence in Chelle’s abilities, saying that he embodies the fresh energy, new thinking, and positive attitude that the Federation wants the Super Eagles to adopt as they approach their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle. However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles,” Gusau stated.
“The NFF will give him all the support he needs to succeed in the job,” he added.
Chelle, who led Mali’s Aiglons to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, left his position at top Algerian side MC Oran—1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists—to join the Super Eagles.
