Lydia Beshel - News Agency Of Nigeria

NFF appoints Chelle as Super Eagles’ new Head Coach

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Wed, 2025

Sports

NFF appoints Chelle as Super Eagles’ new Head Coach

By Victor Okoye

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the country’s senior men national football team, the Super Eagles.

Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, disclosed in a statement that the Federation’s Executive Committee endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for Chelle’s appointment.

“At its meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee had recommended the appointment of the former Coach of the senior men national team of Mali as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

“This recommendation was on Tuesday endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee,” he said.

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.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Côte d’Ivoire in February 2024, Mali came very close to the semi-finals.

They lost 2-1 after extra time to hosts and eventual winners Côte d’Ivoire, who also beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

This was after they had led by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.

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

Olajire added that Chelle’s appointment was with immediate effect, as he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

NAN reports that the next round of matches —- Match Days 5 and 6 —— are in March, with Nigeria needing wins to return to contention for a qualification ticket.(NAN)

(Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Olawale Alabi)

Police raise alarm over rising missing persons cases in Ogun

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Wed, 2025

Defence/Security

Police raise alarm over rising missing persons cases in Ogun

By Abiodun Lawal

The Police Command in Ogun has raised concerns over a significant increase in reports of missing persons in the state.

CSP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta.

She explained that the command had noticed an unprecedented rise in the number of missing persons across all age groups.

Odutola noted that only a small fraction of the individuals had been found, with many regrettably not returning home.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and more security-conscious while prioritising their safety.

She added that, as a proactive and community-oriented force, the command was committed to raising public awareness about this concerning trend.

“We encourage everyone to prioritise their safety by maintaining a heightened sense of security to avoid becoming a victim.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has outlined essential measures and guidelines to keep residents informed about the most pressing issues.

“Based on insights from individuals who were rescued, the Commissioner advises parents not to allow their children to use commercial transportation services with strangers.

“Additionally, he encourages restless youth to activate the digital communication and sharing features on their mobile devices, especially when traveling or in moments of distress,” Odutola said.

Odutola further emphasised that the public could contact the police control room at 09164859299 and the Police Public Relations Department at 09159578888 for assistance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru