Eric Sekou Chelle is at 46 the youngest of the shortlisted coaches for the Super Eagles top job.
The former RC Lens captain was until recently coach of the Eagles of Mali.
He was vowed to challenge his dismissal by Mali in June after they were held to a scoreless draw by Madagascar in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
He led Mali to the quarterfinal of the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, where they were unlucky against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
ADVANTAGES: He has first-hand experience and knowledge of working in African football. He is keen on the job and comes with a good personality having played at their highest level in the French Ligue 1 as captain of RC Lens. He is currently unattached and can swing to work immediately. He is also very affordable.
DISADVANTAGES: He does not have a proven track record as he only worked in the lower league in France with clubs like Martigues and Boulogne.
SCORENigeria RATING: Chelle, along with Tom Saintfiet, is a realistic option for the Super Eagles top job. He has the personality and credentials to get the job done. But first he has to earn the confidence of the public that he is the right man for the job. The 2025 AFCON qualifiers could afford him the chance to do just that.
