There’s a new “Sheriff” in town within the Nigerian football community, and his arrival has sparked divided opinions among fans, the media, and football enthusiasts.
On Tuesday, 7 January, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, replacing interim boss Austin Eguavoen.
The 47-year-old former Malian coach has been tasked with leading the three-time African champions to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
This post highlights five key facts fans should know about Eric Chelle, the man entrusted with one of the biggest coaching jobs on the continent.
1. UEFA Pro License
Eric Chelle holds a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching certification in Europe. This qualification underscores his expertise in the game and tactical acumen.
Chelle prefers formations such as 4-3-1-2, 4-2-3-1, and 4-3-3, as demonstrated during his tenure with Mali at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
His style emphasizes quick, inverted full-backs creating overloads in attacking areas, a solid midfield base with versatile ball-winning and ball-progressing players, and tall strikers who pose an aerial threat and link up play effectively.
2. High Win Rate
Chelle boasts an impressive coaching record. During his two-year stint as Mali’s head coach, he managed 21 matches, securing 13 wins, 5 draws, and only 3 losses—an impressive 62% win rate. Given the quality of players in the Super Eagles, he is expected to match or surpass this record.
3. Experience
Chelle’s coaching journey began in France. He started as an assistant coach with GS Consolat (now Atletico Marseille) in 2014, becoming head coach in 2016. He later managed Matrigues and Boulogne before taking charge of Mali in 2022. After leaving his Mali job in June 2024, he became the head coach of the Algerian club MC Oran.
Although his managerial experience on the continent is limited, his time in France helped him develop his skills and tactical knowledge.
4. Playing Career
Eric Chelle played professional football exclusively in France. As a center-back, he represented clubs like Matrigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais before retiring in 2014.
He also earned five caps for Mali during his playing career, which reflects his connection to African football despite spending most of his career in Europe.
5. French and Malian Descent
Born in Côte d’Ivoire in 1977 to a French father and a Malian mother, Chelle holds dual nationality. He spent his formative years in France, where he developed into a professional footballer.
Eric Chelle and his contingent will arrive in Nigeria for his official unveiling and presentation next week.
Eric Chelle is regarded as a young, ambitious coach, but the task ahead is monumental. Leading the Super Eagles, one of Africa’s biggest football nations, comes with high expectations, especially after their challenging start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series. Can he deliver and restore the pride of the Super Eagles? Only time will tell.
