In a major shakeup for Nigerian football, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the men’s national team. The Franco-Malian tactician takes over the reins of the struggling Super Eagles and has immediately outlined his vision to implement an attacking philosophy.
Promise of Attacking Football
During his official unveiling ceremony, Éric Sékou Chelle made a bold declaration about the style of play he intends to bring to the Super Eagles. The 48-year-old coach emphasized his love for attacking football and his determination to imbue the Nigerian team with an adventurous approach.
Football is about scoring goals, I love attacking football, this is my philosophy. I know the expectations of Nigerians, and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup.
Éric Sékou Chelle, Nigeria Head Coach
Sékou Chelle acknowledged the immense expectations that come with coaching Africa’s most populous nation. He expressed his elation at the opportunity and vowed to give his utmost to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
World Cup Qualification Challenge
The new coach takes over a Super Eagles team that finds itself in a precarious position in the World Cup qualifiers. Poor results in the opening matches have left Nigeria’s chances of progressing to Russia 2026 hanging by a thread.
To guarantee qualification, Sékou Chelle’s men must win all six of their remaining group games and hope other results go their way. It’s a daunting task, but the Franco-Malian believes playing high-pressure, attacking football can turn the tide.
We need to work harder and play high-pressure football. Time is not the best friend of every coach, but if you accept the risk you need to take responsibility.
Éric Sékou Chelle, Nigeria Head Coach
Lifelong Admiration for Nigeria
Interestingly, Sékou Chelle revealed that the Super Eagles have always been his favorite team. Despite representing Mali five times as a player, the veteran coach admitted to having a soft spot for Nigerian football since his youth.
When I was growing up, this was my favorite team. I want to be the best.
Éric Sékou Chelle, Nigeria Head Coach
That lifelong admiration could serve as extra motivation for Sékou Chelle to succeed in his new role. The NFF has handed him a two-year contract, with the option of an additional year if he can guide Nigeria to the World Cup.
Mixed Reactions to Appointment
Despite the NFF’s backing, Sékou Chelle’s appointment has been met with mixed reactions from some quarters. High-profile ex-internationals like Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha have questioned the decision to go for a foreign coach over local options.
However, Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF’s technical committee that recommended Sékou Chelle, defended the choice. The former African Player of the Year highlighted the inevitability of criticism when it comes to the Super Eagles job.
The appointment of a coach for the Super Eagles will always generate a lot of interest. This is one of the biggest countries in Africa, and that’s the passion that comes with the national team.
Victor Ikpeba, NFF Technical Committee Member
The Road Ahead
As the 36th head coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Sékou Chelle has a huge task on his hands. Turning around Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign will require a herculean effort from both the players and coaching staff.
The Franco-Malian has already begun work, taking a supervisory role with the Super Eagles CHAN team ahead of the 2016 tournament in Rwanda. But the real test will come when the World Cup qualifiers resume.
Nigerian fans will be hoping Sékou Chelle’s promise of attacking football translates into a rapid upturn in results. The next few months will be critical in determining whether the Super Eagles can keep their World Cup dreams alive under their new tactician’s guidance.
