Renowned UK certified groundsman, Ebi Egbe has given a clear insight into how new Super Eagles gaffer Eric Chelle would succeed with the team, even as he called on Nigerians to support him.

The stadium facility expert, who is unarguably the nation’s best hand in the industry, noted that the success of any national football team, including the Nigerian Super Eagles under a new coach like Eric Chelle, is heavily influenced by the quality of football infrastructure available.

In his words…”High-quality training facilities are essential for player development, injury prevention, and overall team preparation. Without access to modern pitches, gyms, and medical facilities, it can be challenging for players to perform at their utmost best.

The condition of match venues directly affects player performance. Elite players are accustomed to playing on well-maintained pitches, and subpar conditions can hinder their ability to showcase their skills.

Beyond Infrastructure access to sports scientists can also enhance player performance and team strategy.

Players are more likely to be motivated and perform well when they feel they have the support of a well-structured system. Poor infrastructure can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence. Other national teams with better infrastructure may have an advantage in terms of player development and performance.

The Super Eagles need to compete not just with talent but also with the systems in place in other countries.

Eric Chelle may have the tactical knowledge and experience to lead the Super Eagles. However, the lack of proper football infrastructure can significantly hinder his ability to maximize the team’s potential. For sustained success, investment in infrastructure is crucial, as it provides the foundation for developing elite players and achieving consistent performance on the international stage.”

Egbe concluded by wishing the Eagles well as they begin their quest to make the nation proud first at CHAN next month and the World Cup qualifiers in March.

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will today in Abuja present the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle to the public . The event is scheduled for the media conference room of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, by 11am.

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.

NFF, in a statement released yesterday and signed by the director of communication, Dr Ademola Olajire, said it will also announce the names of Coach Chelle’s assistants at today’s unveiling, with the crew to shepherd the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa, before focusing squarely on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, beginning with the matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.

The 47-year-old French-Malian will mount one of the hottest seats in world football, but President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said on Sunday that 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.”

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.

 

 

Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has urged the Super Eagles players to give their support to the newly appointed coach, Eric Chelle.

Chelle is expected in Abuja on Sunday to finalize the details of his contract.

The 47-year-old was named the new Super Eagles head coach by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday following the recommendation of its technical and development sub-committee for the appointment of the former Mali’s national team handler as Super Eagles head coach.

The Super Eagles have been without a substantive head coach since the exit of Jose Peseiro after expiration of his contract at the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations early last year in Cote d’Ivoire.

Ex-Nigerian international Augustine Eguavoen served as the team’s interim head coach through the first stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and oversaw Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last year.

In a chat with Brila FM, Adepoju appealed to Nigerians and the players to rally round Chelle so that he can be successful.

I think the best thing we can do at the moment is for the Super Eagles to support the new coach, Eric Chelle, and hope all works out well.

“Nevertheless, I think the NFF has taken a decision, thinking that it’s the right decision.”

Chelle is expected in Abuja on Sunday to finalise details of his contract. He will come to Nigeria with three of his trusted assistants who worked with him during his reign in charge of the Malian national team, the Eagles. The trio were also with Chelle during his time with MC Oran.

He is also expected to work with local assistants picked by the NFF.

Chelle’s immediate task is to ensure Nigeria qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which is definitely an almost impossible job, given that the Eagles currently sit fifth on the Group C qualifying table and must win all their remaining matches in the qualifiers to have any hope of participating in the tournament.

The executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 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, the Super Eagles.

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

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

At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 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.