January 13, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will introduce Eric Chelle during an official ceremony on Monday, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The appointment comes following recommendations from the federation’s Technical and Development Committee, marking a significant change in leadership for the national team since the departure of Portuguese manager, Jose Peseiro.
The 47-year-old manager brings substantial experience to the role, having previously guided the Mali national team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations. His tenure with Mali produced impressive statistics, recording 14 victories, five draws, and three losses across 22 matches, including a notable 2-0 victory against Nigeria in March 2024.
Immediate responsibilities for Chelle include directing the Super Eagles B squad during the upcoming African Nations Championship, scheduled across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Following this tournament, attention will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, beginning with crucial fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
The transition process faced initial complications due to Chelle’s existing contractual obligations with Algerian club, MC Oran, where he maintained a two-year agreement signed in October 2024. His final contribution to the club resulted in a 1-0 victory over USM Setif in an Algerian Cup competition before concluding negotiations for his release.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau addressed public response to the appointment, acknowledging the intense interest from supporters nationwide. “We understand that Nigerians maintain strong opinions regarding football matters,” Gusau stated. “The federation commits to providing complete support to enable success in this position.”
Chelle’s primary challenge involves revitalising Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign, with six crucial matches remaining in the competition schedule.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
