He succeeds Augustine Eguavoen, who served in an interim capacity after Ajax legend Finidi George resigned less than two months into his appointment.
During its meeting on January 2nd, 2025, in Abuja, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommended Chelle's appointment, which was subsequently approved by the NFF Executive Committee on Tuesday.
The NFF stated that the former RC Lens centre-back will assume immediate responsibility as head coach of the Super Eagles and will lead the team through the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle earned five international caps for the Mali senior national team between 2004 and 2006. The 47-year-old, who also holds French nationality, spent his entire playing career in France, representing clubs such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais before retiring in 2014.
Immediately after retiring from professional football, Chelle transitioned into management, taking charge of GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne.
In 2022, he was appointed head coach of the Mali senior national team following Mohamed Magassouba's dismissal. Under his leadership, the Eagles secured qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Their campaign, however, ended in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 loss to hosts Cote d’Ivoire, despite taking an early lead. He was subsequently dismissed by the Malian Football Federation on June 13th, 2024.
Prior to his appointment as Nigeria's head coach, Chelle was named head coach of MC Oran, a top-tier team in the Algerian Elite Division.
His appointment has sparked mixed opinions regarding his suitability. Nevertheless, his primary task will be to lead the 2013 African champions, Nigeria, to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C, having earned just three points from four matches played. They will be looking to revive their faltering campaign when they visit Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali in March.
