NFF Confirms Eric Chelle Staying with Super Eagles
Last update: February 11, 2026
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NFF confirms Eric Chelle remains committed to coaching Super Eagles...
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports linking Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle with possible moves to other African national teams, insisting the Franco-Malian tactician remains fully committed to Nigeria.
CBI News reports that Chelle earned widespread acclaim for guiding the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with players publicly backing him to continue in charge despite falling short of a fourth continental title.
Following the tournament, speculation emerged that Tunisia, Guinea, Angola, and Chelle’s former side Mali were monitoring his situation.
Addressing the rumours on Tuesday, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau emphasized that the federation remains calm and committed to retaining Chelle.
“We still have a one-year contract with Eric, and whatever interest anyone shows in him will have to wait until his contract expires,” Gusau said.
“It’s not just about interest in him because he has gotten results with the Super Eagles. Even if they offer him more money, do they have the necessary materials for him to work with? We quite understand that he enjoys working with Nigeria, and I know he believes he can achieve his dreams in Africa with us. He has so much belief in the Super Eagles.”
CBI News reports that Chelle has also affirmed his intention to remain with Nigeria, highlighting both his dedication to the team and his long-term ambitions.
“Like I said, I have been a fan of the team, and this job is very important to me. I just try to do my job, and after the last game, normally I will have meetings with the NFF and we will decide. If nobody tells me I have to stop, then I am here,” he said during the AFCON.
Appointed by the NFF in January 2025 on a two-year contract, Chelle officially took charge in March 2025, during the final phase of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which ended in disappointment as the team failed to reach the tournament for a second consecutive time.
Since taking over, Chelle has overseen 18 official matches, recording 12 wins and six draws.
