Eric Chelle has officially completed his first year as head coach of the Super Eagles, marking a significant milestone at a time when Nigeria has re-established itself as a strong contender in African football.
Appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on January 7, 2025, Chelle’s arrival initially sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts. However, twelve months later, improved results and more cohesive performances have eased much of that early scepticism.
The 48-year-old Malian tactician has led the senior national team in 16 matches, suffering only one defeat. His record stands at 10 wins and five draws, with the Super Eagles netting 34 goals and conceding 15 during that period.
Chelle took over following a turbulent phase for the national team. Nigeria had gone seven months without a substantive coach after Finidi George resigned in July 2024. Interim manager Austin Eguavoen managed to secure AFCON 2025 qualification, but early setbacks in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers left the team unstable.
His appointment came after several coaching negotiations broke down, including a failed agreement with Bruno Labbadia and strong rumours linking Laurent Blanc to the role. For many Nigerians, Chelle was relatively unknown, remembered mostly for leading Mali on an impressive run at the 2023 AFCON.
Chelle’s first competitive games brought a sense of renewed hope. Nigeria defeated Rwanda away in Kigali, powered by a Victor Osimhen brace, and displayed better tactical structure. A late goal conceded against Zimbabwe shortly after proved costly, but the coach maintained his approach.
He moved away from the back-three system favoured by previous managers, opting instead for a diamond midfield and a more direct, attack-minded style. Chelle also expanded the squad by introducing players such as Tolu Arokodare, Igoh Ogbu, and Akor Adams.
Not everything went smoothly. His stint leading Nigeria’s home-based squad at the 2024 African Nations Championship ended prematurely with group-stage exits after losses to Senegal and Sudan. Those remain his only defeats in regulation time as Nigeria coach.
Despite the setbacks, Chelle’s numbers show clear improvement. Averaging just over two points per game, he ranks among the most successful Super Eagles coaches in recent history. Nigeria has also scored in every senior match under his leadership.
At the ongoing AFCON tournament, the Super Eagles have won four consecutive matches and delivered some of their most exciting attacking football in years. The chemistry between Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Osimhen has been a major highlight, although defensive lapses and certain in-game decisions still need refinement.
Chelle now looks ahead to Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Algeria’s Desert Foxes—a crucial test that could further shape the narrative of his first year in charge.
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