Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has reportedly confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will stay in charge beyond the ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign, Footynaija.com reports.
The Franco-Malian, who has faced growing pressure after mixed results in recent fixtures, is said to have the full backing of the federation to continue his project with the national team.
According to Nigerian journalist Seyi Alao, the NFF boss revealed that Chelle will lead the Super Eagles to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, regardless of the outcome of Nigeria’s upcoming playoff clash against Gabon.
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“The Nigerian football federation will not sack Coach Eric Chelle even if Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Franco-Malian will be allowed to lead the next African Cup of Nations in Morocco. The NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau told me,” Alao posted on his X handle.
The NFF seems determined to keep faith in the 47-year-old, who remains unbeaten in the campaign, despite growing scrutiny over results that have left the Super Eagles playing catch-up in the World Cup qualifiers.
In a related update, respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana revealed that the National Sports Commission (NSC), which is responsible for paying Chelle’s salary, has already opened discussions about a new performance-related agreement.
Obayiuwana said that the NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko, met with Chelle’s agent, Abraham Brehima Sidibe, at Eko Hotels in Lagos to discuss fresh terms ahead of the World Cup playoffs in Morocco.
“A renegotiated bonus for Chelle, should he qualify the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, through the playoffs, will be agreed,” Obayiuwana posted on X.
“There is also a plan to negotiate a fresh bonus package for the Super Eagles players for the World Cup qualifiers to motivate them,” he added.
