Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is yet to sign a contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing increasing competition from several African nations keen to lure the Franco-Malian tactician away from Nigeria.
Last month, National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman Shehu Dikko revealed that the commission and the NFF had agreed on a new deal for the skillful tactician following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, despite the public announcement, Chelle has reportedly not signed the new contract.
BBC journalist and pundit Oluwashina Okeleji revealed that negotiations between the Nigeria Football Federation and Chelle remain ongoing, adding that the coach’s current deal still expires next January.
Algeria and Ivory Coast have already registered interest in the Franco-Malian tactician following their exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle, who was appointed Super Eagles manager in January 2025, remains under contract until January 2027.
His tenure has been characterized by a mix of successes and failures, as he led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations but also fell short in the country’s bid to qualify for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign expected to begin in the coming months, the NFF is keen on finalising negotiations and securing Chelle’s long-term future.
An extension would provide stability for the Super Eagles as they continue building towards the next continental tournament while fending off growing interest in the coach from elsewhere across the continent.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
