Nigeria turn to Chelle to revive 2026 World Cup hopes

Abuja, 8 Jan  - Nigeria appointed former Mali boss Eric Chelle as the country's new coach on Tuesday with the Super Eagles struggling in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The 47-year-old Chelle led Mali to the quarter-finals of last year's Africa Cup of Nations, losing 2-1 to hosts and eventual winners Ivory Coast 2-1 after extra time.

Chelle, who won five caps for Mali, spent the entirety of his playing career in France. He took over as Mali coach in 2022 but was dismissed in June of last year.

His primary task is to turn around Nigeria's slow start to World Cup qualifying, with the team winless after four games and second from bottom in their six-team group.

Nigeria are due to play surprise Group C leaders Rwanda and then Zimbabwe in their next qualifiers in March.

The three-time continental champions will head to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December, having finished runners-up to Ivory Coast at the last edition.