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Nigeria could face a battle to keep Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as talks over a new contract are yet to be completed, despite recent progress between the coach and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Footynaija reports.
Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles last year January on a two-year deal running until January 2027. Although Nigeria missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and did not win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the team’s performances improved under him. The Super Eagles finished third at AFCON, played attacking football, scored the most goals in the tournament and gave several young players the chance to impress.
The NFF and the National Sports Commission (NSC), which pays his salary, have been discussing a new agreement. NSC chairman Shehu Dikko recently said both sides had agreed on improved terms, including a higher salary, better support for Chelle’s coaching staff and an additional role with Nigeria’s Under-23 team.
However, fresh reports claim the deal has still not been signed, leaving the door open for other countries. Côte d’Ivoire are now said to be interested in the Franco-Malian coach after questions were raised about Emerson Fae’s future. Chelle also has strong links to the country because he was born in Abidjan and holds Ivorian nationality alongside French and Malian citizenship.
Algeria, Tunisia, Gabon and Angola have also been linked with the coach, while several North African clubs are reportedly monitoring his situation. Even so, Chelle is believed to remain committed to Nigeria’s long-term plans, with the aim of winning the 2027 AFCON and qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. If the NFF completes the negotiations soon, Nigeria should remain favourites to keep him.
