The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is just around the corner, and for Nigeria, it could not come at a more pivotal moment.
The pressure is mounting on the Super Eagles to finally recapture continental glory having failed to lift the AFCON trophy since 2013, which saw them secure their third title alongside triumphs in 1980 and 1994.
All eyes are, therefore, on Eric Chelle, the current Super Eagles manager, to lead Nigeria one step further than their last AFCON campaign, when they were devastatingly defeated 2-1 by Ivory Coast in the final.
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Eric Chelle
Born on 11 November 1977 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Chelle’s journey to this role all started with a rich playing career that was followed by a steady climb through the coaching ranks, eventually taking him to become the Nigeria national team head coach.
Chelle began his playing career for Martigues before moving to Valenciennes, followed by stints at Lens, Istres and eventually retiring in 2014 while playing for Chamois Niortais, with Chelle also competing five times for Mali on the international stage.
After retiring, Chelle quickly transitioned into management, initially starting as assistant manager at GS Consolat between 2014-2016 before being given the permanent role, followed by periods in charge of FC Martigues, Boulogne, Mali and MC Oran.
Chelle’s path eventually took him to become Nigeria manager on 7 January 2025, with the manager appointed with the aim of improving the Super Eagles’ standing in the World Cup qualifiers, having endured an underwhelming start to their qualifying campaign.
While Chelle did certainly improve their form in the qualifiers, with four wins and two draws in his six qualifiers seeing Nigeria climb into second place, the manager was ultimately unable to guide Nigeria into the World Cup as the Super Eagles were eliminated from the CAF playoffs by DR Congo on penalties.
That defeat is one of just three that Chelle has suffered during his time as Nigeria manager, alongside a disastrous African Nations Championship Group D campaign, which saw the Super Eagles lose two and win one as they crashed out of the group stage.
Outside of those disappointing defeats, Chelle boasts a mostly positive record as Super Eagles manager, recording eight wins, three draws and suffering only three defeats after his first 14 games at the helm.
Following on from the devastation of their World Cup qualifying exit, Chelle’s aim will now be to lead Nigeria one step further than they went in the last AFCON, when they came agonisingly close, only to lose to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
Chelle has already expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to win the title, while he has referred to the upcoming AFCON as a revenge mission for the Super Eagles, and their goal is clear – lift the trophy in Morocco.
