Eric Chelle: NFF Picks Date to Decide on Super Eagles Coach’s Future After World Cup Qualifiers
- The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have initiated moves to revisit the contract os Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle
- The former Mali manager led Nigeria to win the 2025 Unity Cup after defeating Ghana and Jamaica
- The National Sports Commission had spoken about the fate of the Franco-Mali after the 1-1 draw against South Africa
- A sports journalist has shared his thoughts on what the NFF and NSC should do to Eric Chelle
The Nigeria Football Federation appointed Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, in January 2025.
The 47-year-old guided Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Source: Getty Images
The three-time AFCON winners were without a permanent coach for six months following the resignation of Finidi George in June 2024.
Nigeria struggled during their first four matches under the guidance of former managers Jose Pesiero and Finidi George.
The West African giants managed to gather three points from four matches in the absence of Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.
Chelle's first World Cup qualifying match was against Rwanda, where Nigeria triumphed 2-0 with Victor Osimhen scoring a brace at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The Super Eagles entered their matchday 5 on a high note at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium against the warriors of Zimbabwe.
Former Napoli forward Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria the lead before being substituted in the second half as Zimbabwe scored the equaliser in the 90th minute, dashing Nigeria's chances last March.
Nigeria got their second win in the qualifying series against Rwanda, with the lone goal coming from Tolu Arokodare but failed to fly against South Africa at the Free State Stadium as the encounter ended in a 1-1 draw.
Source: Getty Images
NFF to meet on Chelle's contract
The NFF Executive Committee have set in motion plans to review the contract of Super Eagles manager, Eric Chelle.
According to Score Nigeria, Chelle's contract will be revisited in October, after the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Nigeria are sitting in third place with 11 points in the 2026 CAF qualification group C, per TnTSports.
The 47-year-old was given a one-year deal with an option for renewal, contingent upon qualifying the country for the World Cup.
Nigeria needs continuity - Chukwunonso
Nigeria sports journalist Arinzechi Chukwunonso said the Nigeria Football Federation have to allow Eric Chelle to continue as the manager of the Super Eagles.
Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Chukwunonso said Chelle has brought stability to the national team within a short period. He said:
"Eric Chelle is a good manager and the best thing for the Nigeria Football Federation to do is allow him to continue.
"If Chelle gets sacked, we are going to struggle again and start all over from scratch. We should not forget that the AFCON is coming up in December."
Aiyegbeni explains why Nigeria is struggling
Legit.ng earlier reported that a former Nigerian international, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, has disclosed that the current Super Eagles have struggled in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers because of a lack of creativity.
The 42-year-old is unimpressed with the national team's performances in recent times, as they are now on the verge of missing yet another FIFA World Cup.
Source: Legit.ng
