The President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed confidence that the new Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, will help Nigeria qualify for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.

Chelle was unveiled by the NFF on Monday just days after his appointment was announced.

Addressing newsmen after the ceremony, Gusau said he believes in the former Malian coach because of his experience with African football.

“Eric is here to work and I want to assure all Nigerians that if Eric can give us what happened in Mali, by the grace of God we are going to the World Cup,” Gusau added.

The NFF president also dismissed talks about Chelle's record of no trophy, saying,“There is no coach in the history of Nigerian football that didn’t have this kind of issue. Look at Westerhof, how did he come to Nigeria? What was his record of Bonfrère Jo when he came to Nigeria? But the key thing is we want somebody that understands the mentality of African football.

“We are ready to give him all the support that he needs to execute his job without hitches and I know we will get the results.”

Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.

At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, Chelle’s Mali came very close to a place in the semi-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 after extra time, after leading by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.

The 47-year-old featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais in France during his playing career.

His appointment is with immediate effect, and he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, with the next round of matches (Matchdays 5 & 6) taking place in March.