The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have officially unveiled Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

The unveiling ceremony took place on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the media conference room of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Chelle's appointment, confirmed by the NFF last Tuesday, January 7, 2025, marks him as the 42nd substantive head coach of the Super Eagles. His primary objective will be to revitalize Nigeria's faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Although Chelle’s appointment has been met with widespread criticism from fans and former Nigerian players, he will have an opportunity to win them over when he leads the home-based Super Eagles at the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

During his unveiling, Chelle expressed his longstanding admiration for the Super Eagles, recalling his time in Marseille.

"When I was young, this was my favorite team. I bought the shirts, watched the games every day. During the World Cup in France, I was in Marseille—it’s my team."

Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign is in dire straits, with just three points from four games. The Super Eagles risk missing out on the tournament for a second consecutive time. The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions currently sit 5th in the Group C standings.

FKA/EK