Eric Chelle clocks one year with Super Eagles, with the 2025 AFCON trophy in sight

The Malian was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation as the coach of the Nigeria Senior Football National Team, the Super Eagles, on January 7, 2025.

The appointment followed a string of disappointments, with Finidi George's brief four-game stint in July 2024 yielding just one win. 

Interim coach Austine Eguavoen, despite securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), could not salvage the team's World Cup hopes. 

Exactly one year ago, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Eric Sekou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, ending a turbulent seven-month period without a permanent manager.

The manager's one-year tenure has been celebrated by the Super Eagles' official X account, with the caption, “One year of Monsieur Eric. Eric Chelle’s role as #SuperEagles head coach officially began on this day last year.”

Chelle's hiring was met with surprise, with many expecting a more established name like Hervé Renard or Pitso Mosimane to take the helm, especially after a high-profile deal with Bruno Labbadia fell through.

Despite a modest coaching resume, the NFF placed its trust in Chelle, backing him with a reported monthly salary of $50,000, a significant increase from what his predecessor was offered. 

His clear, primary mandate upon appointment was to rebuild and lead the team forward. Since taking charge, he has overseen 16 games, achieving 10 wins, five draws, and only one loss.