Éric Sékou Chelle was born on November 11, 1977, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He has a French father and a Malian mother. Although he was born in Ivory Coast, he built his football career in France and later chose to represent Mali at international level. Today, he is known as a football manager and former defender. In January 2025, he was appointed head coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles.
Eric Chelle Profile
| Name | Éric Chelle |
| Real Name | Éric Sékou Chelle |
| Date of Birth | 11 November 1977 |
| Age | 49 years |
| Nationality | Malian, French, and Ivorian |
| Occupation | Football Manager |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
There are no detailed public records about his formal academic education. However, Chelle received his football training in France and later completed his professional coaching badges in Europe after retiring as a player. His coaching education helped him move into management shortly after his playing career ended.
Career
Éric Chelle began his professional football career in France in 1998. He played as a central defender and was known for his strong presence, leadership qualities, and ability to win aerial battles. He spent his entire club career in France, building a solid reputation as a dependable defender.
Most of his career was spent at Valenciennes, where he made over 120 appearances and became an important figure in the team. He later played for RC Lens, making more than 80 appearances there as well. Throughout his playing years, Chelle was respected for his discipline and consistency on the pitch.
Although born in Ivory Coast, he chose to represent Mali at international level. Between 2004 and 2006, he earned five caps for the Malian national team. After more than 15 years in professional football, he retired in 2014.
After retiring as a player in 2014, Chelle moved into coaching almost immediately. He began his managerial journey in France, working with lower-division clubs such as Consolat, Athlético Marseille, and US Boulogne. These early years helped him grow as a tactician and understand team management from a different perspective.
In May 2022, he was appointed head coach of the Mali national team. This was a major step in his career. Under his leadership, Mali reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite this achievement, he was dismissed in June 2024, a decision that surprised many supporters.
In January 2025, Chelle was appointed head coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles. His appointment made history, as he became the first non-Nigerian African to manage the team. Since taking charge, he has focused on building a balanced and attacking squad, using tactical flexibility to get the best from his players. He is currently leading Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the aim of securing a place at the tournament.
Controversies
So far, Chelle has not been involved in any major personal scandals. However, his dismissal as Mali’s coach in June 2024 raised questions, especially since he had just led the team to the AFCON quarter-finals. Some fans felt he deserved more time.
His appointment as Nigeria’s coach also sparked debate, as some supporters expected a Nigerian manager to get the job.
Eric Chelle Social Media Handle
https://www.instagram.com/eric_chelle/?hl=en
Personal Life
Éric Chelle is married and blessed with children. He is known to be calm and disciplined. Because of his mixed heritage (French and Malian), he has always had strong ties to both cultures.
Eric Chelle Net Worth
As of 2026, Chelle’s estimated net worth is around $3 million.