Nigeria’s football authorities are sending conflicting signals over the future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, just days after his impressive run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reignited debate about his long-term role.
While the Nigerian National Sports Commission (NSC) has moved swiftly to explore a contract extension, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has publicly insisted that no such talks are planned, exposing a growing rift at the top of the country’s football administration.
Chelle, a 48-year-old Franco-Malian, has emerged as one of the most talked-about coaches on the continent after guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at the tournament in Morocco.
His success has intensified interest in his services and sharpened the disagreement over how Nigeria should secure his future.
The NSC has made no secret of its desire to act quickly. Its chief executive, Bukola Olopade, confirmed that informal steps had already been taken and that he had personally opened discussions with the coach.
“ I had dinner with him two days ago at my home in Abuja ,” Olopade revealed in an interview with Footy Africa .
“ I am not the president of the NFF, but we work together. That same evening, I called the NFF president, and we hope to all sit down together on Tuesday or Wednesday. ”
Olopade stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that the NSC is responsible for paying Chelle’s salary and therefore plays a central role in decisions surrounding his contract. He also played down speculation linking the coach with other national teams.
“ Eric Chelle isn’t going anywhere. These countries don’t have the kind of superstars who make his job easier.
He succeeded because he had the right tools, the quality players needed to execute his ideas. ”
Under Chelle’s leadership, Nigeria were among the standout teams at the Africa Cup of Nations, earning praise for their attacking fluency and tactical balance.
His use of a 4-4-2 diamond system drew plaudits for bringing the best out of key players, including Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
“ We now have a surplus of quality in all sectors ,” added Olopade.
The NFF, however, has urged patience. Chelle signed a two-year contract in January 2025, becoming the first non-Nigerian African to take charge of the Super Eagles.
Federation president Ibrahim Gusau has said the body intends to respect the existing agreement, which runs until January 2027.
“ There will be no discussions about a contract extension with Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles coach, at this time ,” Gusau told The Sun. “ We signed him to a two-year contract in January 2025.
He is only halfway through his contract. In the final six months of his current contract, we can start to look at things. ”
The disagreement comes as Chelle’s reputation continues to grow, with reports suggesting interest from Angola and Gabon, while a potential return to Mali has not been ruled out.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have no immediate competitive fixtures after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with their next assignment scheduled for September when qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins.
