By Mark Ogagan
Eric Sekou Chelle was on Monday unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the new substantive coach of the Super Eagles.
The unveiling ceremony happened at the conference room of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, with key dignitaries, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi, in attendance.
The Franco-Malian bagged a two-year renewable contract to manage one of Africa’s elite teams, with a mandate to qualify the team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as the Africa Cup of Nations.
A former Mali international defender, the 47-year old Chelle steps into this high-profile role after resigning as head coach of Algeria Premier League side, MC Oran.
Remarkably, he becomes the first non-Nigerian African to manage the three-time African champions.
Chelle’s first major task will be preparing the Super Eagles for their upcoming World Cup qualifier away to Rwanda, followed by a crucial home clash against Zimbabwe in March.
However, the appointment of the Malian-Frenchman has been met with an air of skepticism
After his unveiling, some pundits and football fans took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to express concerns over his credentials, questioning whether he possesses the necessary experience and tactical acumen to lead Nigeria’s national team.
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