The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named 47-year-old Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NFF said, “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.”

The decision followed a meeting held on January 2, where the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended Chelle’s appointment. This recommendation was endorsed by the Executive Committee on January 7. The statement added, “Chelle’s selection was recommended by the NFF’s technical and development sub-committee on January 2 and subsequently endorsed by the federation’s executive committee just hours before the official announcement.”

Chelle, who previously coached Mali’s national team to the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, will lead the Super Eagles into crucial qualifiers in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Nigeria is currently fifth in Group C, with no wins after four matches.