Nigeria have confirmed the appointment of Éric Chelle as their new head coach with qualifying the West African nation for the 2026 World Cup already set out as his first big task.
Chelle most recently coached Mali for two years and aided them to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost to hosts and eventual winners Ivory Coast on penalties.
The 47-year-old is looking to spearhead the mighty Super Eagles to next year’s FIFA World Cup in the Americas where they are in Group C alongside Bafana Bafana, having had a disastrous start.
Nigeria sits in fifth spot in the six-team group on three points from four matches with South Africa and Rwanda leading the group with seven points.
Chelle has a big task awaiting him when Nigeria resumes their World Cup qualifying campaign in March. They make the trip to face Rwanda before hosting Zimbabwe.
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Only one team that finishes top in each of the nine groups will seal automatic qualification to the 48-team 2026 finals in North America.
