Malian coach Eric Chelle has officially accepted the role of Nigeria’s national team coach, making the public declaration four days after his appointment, Soccernet.football reports.
Chelle, who was named the new Super Eagles coach on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation, hailed the Super Eagles as the continent’s best and confirmed his imminent arrival in the country.
Speaking after his final game in charge of Algerian club Mouloudia Oran (MC Oran), Chelle revealed his excitement about the new challenge ahead.
His resignation follows MC Oran’s qualification for the Coupe Nationale round of 16, secured with a victory over Union Sportive de Sétif on Saturday.
“It was my last match with MCO. On Monday, I will be in Nigeria,” Chelle told reporters in Algeria.
“The club officials insisted that I stay, but you can’t refuse an opportunity like that of managing the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world. It’s true that I am very selfish.
“But once again, I thank the Algerians, as well as the Oran public for the welcome. I also thank my management who always put me in the best conditions, as well as my staff and all my players.”
Chelle’s appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last Tuesday sees him replace interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, who guided the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare.
The NFF’s decision is a significant step as Nigeria aim to reclaim its status as a dominant force in African football.
The former RC Lens defender leaves MC Oran after overseeing six wins, two draws, and five losses.
Despite being under contract, his agreement reportedly included a clause allowing termination if approached by a foreign club, which paved the way for his switch to Nigeria.
Chelle’s immediate task is daunting, with Nigeria needing crucial points in March 2025 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles face a challenging away fixture against Rwanda before hosting Zimbabwe at home.