Eric Chelle set for Super Eagles contract extension as NSC backs coach

Director General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has confirmed that discussions to extend the contract of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will begin soon, following the team’s impressive showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Chelle’s current contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expires in a few months, prompting early action from sports authorities keen to secure continuity.

Chelle’s reputation has soared after guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at AFCON in Morocco.

Under his leadership, Nigeria scored 35 goals and conceded just 13, while setting a tournament record by netting 14 goals at a single AFCON.

The team also kept four consecutive clean sheets in the knockout rounds.

Nigeria went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning five matches before drawing against Morocco in the semi-finals and Egypt in the third-place playoff, with both ties decided via penalties.

“I had dinner with him two days ago at my house in Abuja,” Olopade revealed in an exclusive interview with Footy Africa.

“I am not the NFF President, but we work collaboratively. That same night, I called the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday, we will all sit down together,” he added.

Reports linking Chelle with national teams such as Tunisia, Gabon, and Angola have been dismissed by Olopade, who insists the Malian tactician is staying put.

“Eric Chelle is not going anywhere. Those countries do not have the kind of superstars that make his job easier. He succeeded because he had the right equipment, the quality players needed to execute his ideas,” he said

He also highlighted the depth within the current Super Eagles squad, pointing to Arsenal and Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, recently cleared by FIFA to represent Nigeria.

“We now have surplus quality across all departments,” Olopade said.

Appointed in January 2025 following the exits of José Peseiro, Austin Eguavoen, and Finidi George, Chelle introduced a 4-4-2 diamond system that transformed Nigeria’s attacking output.

Olopade recalled initial skepticism over appointing a Malian coach but said the decision has been fully vindicated.

“Eric had scored 75 goals with Mali. If he could do that without players like Osimhen or Lookman, I knew Nigeria would become a goal-scoring machine. Today, I am glad our conviction paid off,” he added.