The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Eric Sekou Chelle as head coach of Nigeria’s National Men’s Football Team, the Super Eagles.
Chelle replaces Jose Peseiro as the lead technical man for Nigeria after Peseiro led the Super Eagles to the 2023 AFCON Final game. Nigeria lost 2-1 to host nation Cote D’Ivoire.
He will lead Nigeria at this year’s AFCON in Morocco that is scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18, 2026.
Nigeria’s qualification was marred in controversy with the West African nation abandoning a qualifier against Libya due to unfair treatment by Libya. Nigeria subsequently was awarded the win by CAF. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
At the 2023 AFCON, Chelle led Mali to the quarterfinals but the Eagles lost 2-1 to Cote D’Ivoire with Mali conceding late goals in the 90th and 122nd minute respectively to crash out of the tournament despite Cote D’Ivoire playing with a numerical disadvantage in extra time.
Chelle went viral after the game as he was captured in utter disbelief with a Mali assistant pouring water over his head.
In a post-game interview, he explained that he was feeling dizzy after the loss. Scroll down to watch Chelle’s viral moment at the 2023 AFCON.
Apt assumption by the commentator: “There might be tears mixing that water” being poured on Mali’s 🇲🇱 coach. pic.twitter.com/LAOvGjqG6v
— Jerome Otchere (@JeromeOtchere) February 3, 2024
