TheNewsGuru

Tag: Super Eagles

  • 2026 World Cup: Chelle names Lookman, Osimhen, for qualifiers [Full list]

    2026 World Cup: Chelle names Lookman, Osimhen, for qualifiers [Full list]

    Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles’ Head Coach, has named forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Simon Moses in his final list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

    Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Kayode Bankole, as well as  defenders William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Olaoluwa Aina also made 23-player list released by the NFF on Tuesday.

    Also in the squad are defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel,  as well as midfielders

    Alex Iwobi , Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi.

    Forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar were not left out as Czech Republic-based defender Igoh Ogbu also made the final cut.

    Also, home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Belgium-based forward Tolu Arokodare were named in the list.

    Nigeria will confront group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo four days later.

    LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA, ZIMBABWE GAMES

    Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

    Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

  • W/Cup Qualifier: Chelle names Musa, 3 other home-based players in provisional list

    W/Cup Qualifier: Chelle names Musa, 3 other home-based players in provisional list

    Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle has recalled former captain Ahmed Musa in a provisional list of players for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

    This is according to a statement by Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Also included in the 39-man list are three other home-based players, namely; goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International), and midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes).

    NAN reports that Musa, 32, the most capped Super Eagles player, last appeared for the Super Eagles in a warm-up game against Guinea in Abu Dhabi in January, 2024.

    He played the last seven minutes in a 2-0 loss to the Syli Stars.

    He has scored six goals and made two assists for Kano Pillars in the NPFL season thus far.

    Musa, who has won a record 110 caps and scored 18 goals, is now playing regularly in the NPFL for Kano Pillars after the mutual termination of his contract in Turkey in  2024.

    His leadership, both on and off the pitch, may have been the main consideration that swayed the decision of the new gaffer to recall him since the 2023 AFCON a year ago.

    NAN also reports that the list features a mix of experienced players and young talents, including first timers, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams.

    “Others named in the squad include; goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Adeleye Adebayo, defenders William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Simon Moses.

    “There are also goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar.

    “Defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielders Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams are named for the first time,” Olajire said.

    Nigeria, fifth on the Group C log behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic and Lesotho, square up to leaders Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo four days later.

    Full provisional list of 39 players for Rwanda, Zimbabwe

    Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England).

    Others are; Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England).

    Others are; Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Anthony Dennis (Goztepe SK, Turkey); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

    Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain).

    Others are; Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England); Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain).

  • Coach Chelle reveals new style of play Super Eagles will adopt

    Coach Chelle reveals new style of play Super Eagles will adopt

    Eric Chelle, the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, has said football is about scoring and that he will introduce an attacking mentality to the Nigerian senior men’s national football team.

    Chelle made the remarks during his official unveiling at a colourful ceremony inside the Media Conference Room of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Monday.

    Chelle, won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a playing career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais. He told newsmen that he was excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football names.

    “I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.

    “Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he said.

    Ibrahim Gusau, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reiterated his call for Nigerians to come together and support the gaffer, while promising that the football-ruling body will give Chelle all the support to succeed in his assignment.

    Gusau said he was endeared by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days.

    He said he was banking on him to galvanise the Super Eagles with the same go-go attitude to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

    “I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level.

    “He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself.

    “Coach Chelle recognises and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way,” he said.

    The NFF boss disclosed that the tactician had signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year, if he qualifies the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

    He also said that Chelle had also come into the job with three assistants, and will work with the crew on ground to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand.

    He added that the new gaffer would in the meantime join the Super Eagles B team in Ikenne as they prepare for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), and would play only a supervisory role.

    Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF.

    “Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy.

    “On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job.

    “The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, as the Government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF.

    “The NFF is saddled with that responsibility; the Government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job,” he said.

    Also present at the occasion were Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Grassroots Sports Development and Sharif Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical & Development Committee.

    Others were; Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary; Emmanuel Ikpeme, NFF Deputy General Secretary; Augustine Eguavoen, Technical Director; NFF Congressmen Paul Edeh and Hassan Wada.

  • NFF to unveil Chelle as Super Eagles’ Head Coach on Monday

    NFF to unveil Chelle as Super Eagles’ Head Coach on Monday

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will on Monday in Abuja present to the public the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle.

    A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Sunday said the event has been scheduled for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja by 11 a.m.

    Chelle’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation by the football ruling body’s Technical and Development Committee.

    The 47-year-old will mount one of the hottest seats in world football, but President of the NFF,  Ibrahim Gusau, was quoted on Sunday as saying that the Coach had all it takes to succeed.

    “The Franco-Malian embodies the fresh energy, new thinking and positive attitude with which the Federation desire the Super Eagles to confront their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

    “We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle.

    “However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.

    “The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” Gusau said.

    Monday’s unveiling, the NFF will also disclose the names of Coach Chelle’s assistants, with the crew to shepherd the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa.

    This is before focusing squarely on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, beginning with the matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.

    Chelle, who took Mali’s Aiglons within breathing distance of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, left his job at top Algerian side MC Oran – 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists – to team up with the Super Eagles.

  • Super Eagles: Eric Chelle reveals when he will resume duties

    Super Eagles: Eric Chelle reveals when he will resume duties

    Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle has disclosed that he will resume duties from Monday 14th January 2025.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the new Super Eagles gaffer made this disclosure on Saturday after the cup match between USM Sétif and MC Oran.

    Speaking during the post-match press conference, Chelle officially announced his departure from the Algerian club to the players.

    “This meeting marks the end of my adventure here. From Monday, I will be in Nigeria to start this new chapter,” Chelle said.

    During statement, he did confirm that there were efforts by MC Oran leaders to convince him to stay.

    Chelle, however, explained that it was difficult to refuse the opportunity to coach the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    “The MCO officials insisted that I continue, but one cannot refuse to lead one of the best teams in Africa and the world.

    “I thank the Hamraoua fans, the inhabitants of Oran and all Algerians for their welcome and their support. The MCO will always have a special place in my heart,” Chelle said.

  • Must they embarrass Tinubu with Malian coach for Super Eagles? – By Ikeddy Isiguzo

    Must they embarrass Tinubu with Malian coach for Super Eagles? – By Ikeddy Isiguzo

    By Ikeddy ISIGUZO

    BURKINABE military leader Captain Ibrahim Traore was the star attraction at Tuesday’s inauguration of Ghana’s President John Mahama. Dressed in a military attire, Traore had a holstered pistol at his waist. He was widely cheered in his show that analysts rightly concluded was an affront on democracy and a defiance of ECOWAS’ stance that military administrations should give way to elected governments.

    At the event where wild applauses greeted Traore was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also President of ECOWAS, that in July 2023 issued orders to the military government in Niger Republic to leave within seven days. ECOWAS was reportedly mobilising a military intervention to restore civil rule in Niger Republic. ECOWAS imposed sanctions limiting trade and communication with Niger Republic, but these have been lifted.

    Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger Republic’s immediate neighbours, ensured that the sanctions did not work.

    “Visible weapon by a (Head of State) at such an important event, although seen as an assertion of power could also be a symbol of intimidation and raises concerns about… how we enforce our security laws internally,” a Ghanaian analyst Barnabas Nii Laryea wrote on Facebook. “This was insanely dangerous thing to do. It’s not about trust. For national security reasons, this was very reckless and shouldn’t be allowed again,” Seth Dough, a Ghanaian lawyer, posted on X.

    Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic are all under military rule after a string of successful coups, Mali (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger Republic (2024). On 6 July 2024 they formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a confederation. It is against neo-colonialism in Africa and the world. It also disagrees with French and ECOWAS policies, deeming them contrary to the interests of the Alliance.

    ECOWAS was concerned that if the three French-speaking countries succeeded they may entice the military in other ECOWAS States to join their agenda. Some former French colonies in West Africa are buying into the agenda of the three countries that would leave ECOWAS in a matter of weeks.

    A more global concern was the presence of Russian mercenaries in Mali. The French forces that were fighting terrorists in the Sahel were driven away by Mali. The Russians replaced the French and are believed to be harvesting the mineral resources and influence that were once France’s. Assimi Goïta, interim President of Mali, is the actual leader of the Alliance as his coup appears to have set off the others.

    Traore knew what he was doing when he turned up in Accra in miliary gears, and armed. His manner of attendance spoke of war, power, military rule as the counterpoint to civilian governments. He was representing the Alliance of Sahel States as the only Head of Government that was present. The Prime Minister represented Mali.

    For the Burkinabe leader, Accra was a grand farewell to ECOWAS. There were “two regional leaders in Accra”, Tinubu and Traore. If ECOWAS wants peace, the Alliance was ready – and also prepared for war. Tinubu took all these in. Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS is high. Beside hosting the headquarters, Nigeria last month cleared 19-year outstanding obligations of N85 billion and $54 million which included part of 2024 dues.

    Former French colonies in ECOWAS are sympathetic to the Alliance’s grievances. Cote d’Ivoire, once a bastion of French interests, is with Burkina Faso. Ivorian President Alassane Dramane Ouattara is originally from Burkina Faso and his interests in France have waned. Guinea is a perennial enemy of France. The French stripped Guinea of every moveable asset before its independence in 1958.

    Senegal, and Chad, Nigeria’s north eastern neighbour, where they share the Lake Chad, have similar views with the Alliance. Chad is not renewing its defence pact with France, and like Senegal has spoken in strong terms against French troops on African soil.

    Chad needs Niger’s cooperation to fight Boko Haram. The Alliance is willing to help. Chad while breaking up with France lamented that France did not assist its troops when 40 of them died in a Boko Haram attack.

    The departure of the three-member Alliance from ECOWAS on 29 January 2025 is only 17 days away. President Tinubu would bear the infamy of the one under who ECOWAS that would be 50 on 28 May – a day to Tinubu’s second year in office – disintegrated. What a record!

    Tinubu’s heightening relationships with France transverse trade, defence, and a pointed attention on mining of solid minerals which Mali, Chad and Niger Republic once provided for France.

    In fairness to Tinubu, he inherited ECOWAS’ 15-member bloc that started degrading with the departure of Mauritania in December 2000. It gave no reason. Some say that the increasing signing of protocols that involved members in the internal affairs of others inconvenienced Mauritania. One such policy could be the proposed regional currency.

    The intensity of Tinubu’s chumminess with France has made him an impartial arbiter in ECOWAS. But for the Atlantic Ocean on our southern border, Nigeria is entirely surrounded by French-speaking countries, who also dominate the numbers in ECOWAS – Republic of Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Gambia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. The question is how much longer would the other five remain in ECOWAS.

    Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau though Portuguese-speaking, are too close to Senegal that they too have French-speaking tendencies.

    The English-speaking countries are not much different. The Gambia depends on Senegal’s port in Dakar for imports, some of which go all the way to Burkina Faso, Mali, and parts of Niger Republic. Ghana is interested in the security of its northern border which it cannot protect without great relations with Burkina Faso. Was that what informed Traore’s Accra performance?

    An ignored power bloc in ECOWAS is the 52-year-old Mano River Union that preceded ECOWAS. It joined Guinea, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone to explore the economic benefits of the 320-kilometre Mano River that originates from the Guinea Highlands in Liberia. Finances and the long wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone slowed down the Union but it is still flowing.

    On the same Tuesday that Traore was embarrassing Tinubu in Accra, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, was making one of the most thoughtless decisions in Nigeria’s football history, by appointing former Malian coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, as Head Coach of the Super Eagles. His coaching abilities are too vacuous to merit an examination.

    A Malian to manage a major national asset at the peak of the international row with Mali over ECOWAS?

    We assume that security agencies, and the Foreign Ministry are involved in screening foreigners appointed at this level. Is it possible that nobody noticed that Chelle is from Mali which with Burkina Faso and Niger Republic have been exceptionally hostile to Nigeria since 2023?

    Whoever engaged Chelle is embarrassing the President, if not Nigeria.

    Finally…

    PRESIDENT Tinubu is on his third trip to UAE in 17 months. Is that not too many trips to one country?

    THE National Assembly needs to over-sight the $52.88 million Nigeria has just received from the US as “recovered assets”. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has explained that $50m of the money would be deployed through the World Bank for rural electrification. He said the remaining $2m would be used by the International Institute of Justice to expand the justice system and combat corruption. Who decided that? And the remaining $.88m is obviously too small to deserve accounting?

    WHY are we praising the Federal Government for establishing five more aviation schools when it cannot finance one school?

     

    ISIGUZO is a major commentator on minor issues

  • NANS debunks protest over appointment of Super Eagles coach

    NANS debunks protest over appointment of Super Eagles coach

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has debunked a reported plan to protest the appointment of Eric Chelle as Super Eagles head coach.

    The dissociation was announced in a statement signed on Friday by the association’s Senate President, Afeez Akinteye.

    According to Akinteye, the association’s attention has been drawn to a frivolous and mischievous report credited to someone who claims to be the clerk of the NANS Senate.

    He said the self-acclaimed clerk had purportedly threatened a nationwide protest by NANS over the appointment of Chelle as the new coach.

    “It is imperative to categorically state that this position is baseless, fraudulent, and does not represent the stance of the leadership of NANS nor does it reflect the sentiments of Nigerian students nationwide.

    “For the record, the said person holds no position in the organization as claimed.

    “Ergo and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should disregard the threat of protest.

    “Thus, we unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the disingenuous utterances of these self-appointed individuals, whose credentials and affiliation with NANS are dubious at best,” he said.

    Akinteye said, evidently, those behind the purported protest were attempting to exploit the respected name of NANS for nefarious blackmail and financial inducement.

    “We call on security agencies to immediately invite and investigate these impostors for impersonation and an attempt to incite public unrest.

    “Their recklessness constitutes a direct affront to the credibility and integrity of NANS as an institution.

    “To the media, we express our disappointment in the unprofessionalism exhibited by platforms that lent their voices to these fallacious claims without verifying the authenticity of their sources.

    “It is the duty of reputable media outlets to uphold journalistic standards and desist from amplifying unsubstantiated narratives.

    “The press must demonstrate more responsibility by verifying the identities and affiliations of individuals before granting them access to platforms capable of influencing public perception,” he said.

    According to him, NANS acknowledges and respects the prerogative of NFF to make technical decisions they believe will advance the fortunes of Nigerian football.

    “We implore the NFF to remain resolute in its professional decisions and ignore the empty threats of protest by nonentities masquerading as NANS representatives.

    “However, we strongly urge the NFF to extend their scouting activities to Nigerian campuses, where a plethora of untapped football talents reside,” he said.

    According to him, NFF can do this by creating a pipeline that identifies, develops, and promotes homegrown players.

    “By this, the federation will be making a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian football.

    “Ultimately, let it be known that no organ of NANS, at any level, has endorsed or proposed any protest against the appointment of Eric Sekou Chelle as the Super Eagles coach.

    “Any claims to the contrary are the concoctions of desperate impostors whose agenda remains suspect and antithetical to the progress of Nigerian students,” Akinteye said.

  • Interesting facts about new Super Eagles gaffer, Chelle

    Interesting facts about new Super Eagles gaffer, Chelle

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday appointed former Malian coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

    Chelle, who hails from Mali, makes history as the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    The 47-year-old French-Malian coach was born on Nov. 11, 1977, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, but raised in France by his French father and Malian mother.

    During his playing days, he was a central defender who plied his trade in France for clubs such as Martigues (1998-2003), Valenciennes (2003-2008), Lens (2008-2011), Istres (2011-2013), and Chamois Niortais (2013-2014).

    The hard-tackling defender earned five caps for the Les Aigles (The Eagles) of Mali during his short spell with the national team between 2004 and 2006.

    After his playing career, Chelle took up coaching, managing lower division clubs in France such as GS Consolat (France amateur league), FC Martigues (Ligue 2), Boulogne (Championnat National), and MC Oran (Algerian Ligue).

    He was appointed head coach of the Mali national team in May 2022. He guided them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Côte d’Ivoire from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11, 2024.

    His journey with the Malian national team ended when he was dismissed by Mali’s football body in June 2024, days after his team were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

    The gaffer will now take over from Austine Eguavoen who has been interim coach of the Super Eagles since Finidi Geroge resigned in June 2024.

    Chelle takes over a Nigerian team in a precarious position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The three-time African champions are currently fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, with just three points after four games.

    His first games in charge of the Super Eagles will be in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

    Chelle will also be in charge of the Super Eagles B team at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) slated for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28.

    Chelle’s managerial career reflects a record of 67 wins, 40 draws, and 41 losses, earning him a win per centage of 45.27 per cent.

  • BREAKING: NFF appoints new Super Eagles coach

    BREAKING: NFF appoints new Super Eagles coach

    The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men national football team, Super Eagles.

    At its meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, 2nd January 2025, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee had recommended the appointment of former Coach of the senior men national team of Mali as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles. This recommendation was on Tuesday, 7th January endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee.

    Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.

    At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 after extra time, after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.

    The 47-year-old featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais in France during his playing career.

    His appointment is with immediate effect, and he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the next round of matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) taking place in March.

  • CHAN qualification: NSC splashes N10m on Super Eagles B team

    CHAN qualification: NSC splashes N10m on Super Eagles B team

    The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has fulfilled a personal promise of N10 million donation to the Super Eagles B team for qualifying for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The home-based Eagles defeated Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-1 on Saturday in Uyo to secure qualification for the CHAN slated, which is for Feb. 2025 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

    The NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, had initially expressed the intention to personally reward the team for a win. However, in a remarkable display of leadership, Dikko interceded, insisting on taking up the gesture himself.

    “Before the game, I made a personal pledge to reward the team if they emerged victorious. When I shared this with the NSC chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, he immediately applauded the idea but insisted that he would make the donation himself as a sign of solidarity and appreciation for the players’ efforts,” Olopade said.

    The CHAN Eagles delivered a stellar performance in front of an electrified crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Sodiq Ismaila opened scoring in the 18th minute, followed swiftly by goals from Nduka Junior and Saviour Isaac in the 21st and 25th minutes, respectively. Ghana got their consolation goal through Stephen Amenkona in the 71st minute of the game.

    The 2025 CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players competing in Africa, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to February 28, 2025.