The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken a groundbreaking step by appointing Sékou Chelle, a former Mali national team coach, as the head coach of the Super Eagles. The decision, announced on January 7, 2025, makes Chelle the first non-Nigerian African to manage Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team. It underscores the urgency to revitalize a team with a storied football legacy but is currently faltering in its World Cup qualifying campaign.
A Coach with Roots Across Africa and Europe
Chelle, 47, brings a unique background to the Super Eagles. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to a Malian mother and French father, he holds Malian, Ivorian, and French nationalities. As a player, he carved out a reputation as a no-nonsense defender during his 16-year professional career in France, representing clubs such as Valenciennes, Lens, and Martigues. He helped Valenciennes achieve promotion to Ligue 1 in 2006 and earned five caps for the Malian national team during his playing career.
Read: Ghana Inaugurates Her First Female Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
Transitioning into coaching in 2014, Chelle began his managerial career with lower-tier French clubs, eventually taking the helm at the Malian national team in 2022. His tenure included a strong performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Mali reached the quarterfinals and pushed hosts Ivory Coast to extra time before succumbing 2-1 in a dramatic match. Despite this success, Chelle’s time with Mali ended abruptly in June 2024 after a disappointing draw against Madagascar in a World Cup qualifier.
Tasked with Reversing Nigeria’s Decline
In recent years, the Super Eagles have struggled to find consistency on the international stage, falling short of their illustrious reputation as three-time AFCON champions and regular World Cup contenders. Currently, the team is winless in its first four games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, sitting in fifth place in Group C, four points behind leaders Rwanda.
The NFF has charged Chelle with reigniting Nigeria’s campaign and guiding the team to secure one of Africa’s coveted spots in the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
High Expectations and Mixed Reactions
Chelle’s appointment has sparked varied reactions among fans and analysts. Some supporters had hoped for a high-profile foreign manager, especially after the NFF’s unsuccessful negotiations with renowned coaches like Hervé Renard and Bruno Labbadia. Others believe that Augustine Eguavoen, who had served as interim manager and successfully guided the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, should have been given a chance to lead the team permanently.
Despite his relative inexperience with top-tier teams, Chelle has already demonstrated his tactical nous by leading Mali to a historic first victory over Nigeria in 50 years during a friendly match in March 2024. His familiarity with African football and his ability to inspire underdog teams could prove pivotal as he assumes one of the most scrutinized coaching roles on the continent.
Read: Nathaniel Bassey to Minister at U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast
Immediate Challenges
Chelle’s tenure will be defined by his ability to galvanize a talented yet underperforming squad that features some of Africa’s brightest stars, including Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year, and Ademola Lookman. His first major test will come in March, with crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe at home. Only the group winners are guaranteed a spot in the tournament, adding immense pressure to secure maximum points in these encounters.
The NFF has not disclosed the length of Chelle’s contract, but his mandate is clear: return Nigeria to the World Cup and restore the Super Eagles’ reputation as a dominant force in African football.
The Stakes
The stakes for Chelle couldn’t be higher. As the first non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles, his success—or failure—will set a precedent for how African nations approach coaching appointments in the future. Nigeria’s fervent football culture and the high expectations of its fanbase mean that Chelle will need to deliver results quickly to gain their trust and support.
While Chelle’s appointment is seen as a gamble by some, it is also a bold statement of intent by the NFF. His ability to navigate this high-pressure environment and achieve tangible results will define his legacy and the future trajectory of Nigerian football.