Eric Chelle has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches on the African continent following Nigeria’s impressive campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with several national teams now closely monitoring his situation.
The Malian coach’s reputation has been significantly enhanced by the Super Eagles’ performances at the tournament, where Nigeria’s tactical discipline and overall cohesion drew widespread praise.
As a result, Chelle is now attracting concrete interest from a number of African football federations keen to capitalise on his rising profile.
According to sources close to the discussions, Angola and Gabon are currently at the forefront of the pursuit.
Both federations are said to have stepped up their approaches after being impressed by the clarity of Nigeria’s game plan and the team’s consistency throughout the competition.
Their interest underlines how Chelle’s work during the AFCON has resonated beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The growing attention is not entirely new. During the tournament itself, Tunisia are understood to have made a discreet enquiry about Chelle’s availability.
That proposal, however, was reportedly turned down without hesitation, with the coach choosing to remain focused on his responsibilities with Nigeria during the competition.
Despite the mounting external pressure, Chelle’s immediate priority remains his role with the Super Eagles.
Talks with officials from the Nigerian Football Federation are expected to take place in the coming days, with discussions likely to centre on the future direction of the national team.
Issues such as continuity, long-term objectives and the alignment of ambitions between the coach and the federation are expected to be central to those conversations.
For Chelle, the situation represents a pivotal moment in his career. His enhanced standing following the AFCON has placed him firmly on the radar of ambitious national teams seeking stability and progress.
At the same time, Nigeria face the challenge of securing the services of a coach whose stock has never been higher, at a time when rival federations are increasingly proactive.
With Angola and Gabon pushing their cases and other potential suitors observing developments closely, the coming weeks could prove decisive.
Whether Chelle opts to continue building on the project he has started with Nigeria or chooses to embark on a new challenge elsewhere, his next decision is set to have a significant impact on his professional future and on the balance of coaching talent across African football.
