Despite massive criticism that trailed his initial announcement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the newly appointed Nigeria Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle.
Following a recommendation from its Technical and Development Committee, the NFF Executive Committee ratified Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday.
Sports fans and professionals flocked to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Monday to greet the 47-year-old Franco-Malian national.
Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the president of the NFF, said he had faith in Chelle’s capacity to guide the Super Eagles to unprecedented success.
“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been different reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau said on Sunday.
“However, the NFF appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.”
Gusau further assured Nigerians that the Federation would provide the necessary backing to ensure Chelle’s success.
“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” he added.
Chelle’s first challenge will be leading the Super Eagles B at the upcoming African Nations Championship in East Africa next month.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will then take the stage, with pivotal games against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.
The statement claims that Chelle, who led Mali’s Aiglons to the verge of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, has a plethora of expertise to the position.
In order to take the Super Eagles post, he recently quit his employment at Algerian club MC Oran, where he had been coaching the 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists.
