7 things to know about Eric Chelle, Super Eagles’ new head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, signaling a fresh chapter for Nigeria’s national football team.

Chelle, a former professional player and experienced coach, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.

Here are seven key things to know about the 47-year-old tactician as he takes charge of the Super Eagles.

1. Malian roots with international experience

Eric Chelle was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on November 11, 1977 to a French father and a Malian mother.

He represented Mali at the international level, earning five caps between 2004 and 2006.

2. Playing career in France

Chelle enjoyed a successful playing career in France, featuring for clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

Over his career, he made 375 appearances and scored 11 goals as a centre-back.

3. Transition to coaching

Following his playing career, Chelle moved into coaching, initially serving as an assistant manager at GS Consolat from 2014 to 2016 before stepping up as head coach of the same club.

4. Managed FC Martigues for several years

Chelle had a notable stint as the head coach of FC Martigues from 2017 to 2021, where he further honed his managerial skills.

5. A brief time at Boulogne

In 2021, Chelle took charge of US Boulogne but was dismissed later that year after a tough run of results in which the team gained only three points from their last ten matches.

6. Led the Mali National team

In 2022, Chelle was appointed as the manager of the Mali national team. He served in this role until June 2024, overseeing the team’s development before his departure.

7. Super Eagles appointment

Chelle’s latest role sees him taking over as the head coach of the Super Eagles, bringing his wealth of experience to guide Nigeria’s national football team moving forward.