Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is working every angle to secure a return to club management in France, with FC Nantes now the target, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle, 48, grew up in France and spent his entire playing career there, turning out for the likes of Lens and Valenciennes before moving into coaching. France is home, and clearly, he wants back in.
As revealed in an earlier report, his first shot was Olympique de Marseille, where he put himself forward after Roberto De Zerbi’s sacking.
However, the club decided to go with former captain Habib Beye instead. And rather than retreat, Chelle pivoted.
Chelle’s Nantes play
The most telling move came when the Abidjan-born coach switched agencies, signing with Wilders Sport. The firm already represents Nantes reserve team coach Stéphane Ziani and striker Ignatius Ganago, who rejoined the club on loan from MLS this winter.
Joining an agency that has its feet under the table at the Beaujoire is not a coincidence. Foot 01 reports that that his new representatives have since formally offered him to the Canaries, and are confident a deal can happen if Nantes’ crisis deepens.
At the time of reporting, the team has suffered five straight Ligue 1 defeats, accumulated 14 points from 22 games, and are eight adrift of safety. The clock is ticking for incumbent Ahmed Kantari.
Chelle still has a contract with the NFF until January 2027, but that appears no barrier. He reportedly asked for his salary to be raised from $50,000 to $130,000 per month. The federation said no. His commitment to the Super Eagles job has looked shakier since.
Nigeria face Jordan and Iran in friendlies next month, so for now, he remains in his post. But everything else he is doing points in one direction.
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