Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles, is anticipated to reach in Nigeria within the coming days for his official unveiling.
The Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) confirmed Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, marking an necessary step within the nationwide group’s preparations for future competitions.
Chelle, who beforehand managed Mali, takes over from Augustine Eguavoen, who was the caretaker coach for the ultimate 4 months of 2024. Below Eguavoen, the Tremendous Eagles efficiently certified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Now, Chelle has the duty of main Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
At 47 years previous, the French-Malian coach has a modest however promising teaching profession. Final yr, he led Mali to the quarterfinals of AFCON and has additionally managed a number of lower-league French golf equipment.
Earlier than this appointment, Chelle was head coach of Algerian top-flight membership MC Oran. Nonetheless, he mutually agreed to half methods with the membership this week to concentrate on his new function with Nigeria.
Though the NFF has not revealed the small print of Chelle’s contract, reviews recommend he’ll signal a two-year deal, masking the remaining World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Chelle’s agent has already arrived in Nigeria to finalise the phrases of the settlement.
Chelle is at the moment in Algeria, ending his commitments with MC Oran. He’s anticipated to journey to Paris, France, on Wednesday, January 8, earlier than heading to Nigeria for the official unveiling.
Journalist Ojora Babatunde shared Chelle’s itinerary, stating, “Eric Chelle will depart Oran, Algeria tomorrow for Paris, France earlier than departing for Nigeria for the official unveiling of his appointment by the Nigeria Soccer Federation.”
Chelle is anticipated to reach in Nigeria on Sunday, accompanied by three assistants who’ve labored with him throughout his time at Mali and MC Oran.
Nigeria’s subsequent World Cup qualifiers are scheduled for March, with key fixtures in opposition to Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The NFF will probably be hoping that Chelle’s appointment brings recent vitality to the group’s preparations as they aim success on the worldwide stage.
