Is 47-year-old Eric Chelle the new coach of the Super Eagles?

The search for a new coach for the Nigeria senior national team appears to have come to an end as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finally settled on one of the three shortlisted coaches for the job. Own goal Nigeria.com understands.

Sources in France say former Mali coach Eric Chelle will be appointed as the new coach of the Nigerian senior national team. in two weeks time, after turning down the chance to return to his previous role as coach of Mali.

Chelle was sacked as coach of the Malian team after two years in charge, but a revolt by the players forced the football federation to do a U-turn and efforts were made to have him reinstated.

However, he appears to have moved on and has his sights set on the Nigeria coaching job, after meeting with senior NFF officials last week during a meeting for the recruitment of a new coach for the Nigeria senior national team.

He is also said to have the approval and backing of a former NFF president who is convinced that the coach who led Mali to the last AFCON has what it takes to rescue the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the next World Cup in 2026.

As we reported, the NFF is also considering two other options: Steve McClaren and Tom Saintfeit, although Hervé Renard is not seen as a viable option due to his financial demands.

A member of the club’s technical committee declined to comment when contacted about the news, but went on to say that the former Lens defender fits the bill for the type of coach who can have a positive impact on the team.

According to the member, the final decision will be made next week and any reports for now are just speculation until the NFF makes an official announcement.

Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman