'He has done a great job' - Eguavoen backs Long-Term contract for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Austin Eguavoen has thrown his weight behind Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, urging the federation to offer the Malian tactician a long-term contract to sustain the team’s progress.

Eguavoen made the call in an interview with Footy Africa, praising Chelle’s impact since his appointment in January 2025 and describing continuity as key to Nigeria’s football development.

Eric Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles earlier this year, replacing Eguavoen, who had served as interim coach during Nigeria’s successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign.

Despite inheriting the team in a challenging phase, Chelle guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON and narrowly missed out on securing a FIFA World Cup ticket.

“The coach came in, bought into our philosophy, and added his leadership, which we accepted. This has brought us to where we are today. We have accepted him, and he has accepted Nigeria as well. He now understands the working conditions and environment much better,” Eguavoen said.

With reports linking Chelle to potential moves to Tunisia, Angola, and Gabon, Eguavoen stressed the importance of securing the coach’s future with Nigeria.

“I believe it has to be long-term because of what he has achieved in such a short period,” he stated. “Of course, there will always be critics, but he has done a great job. A longer stay will be good for everyone," he added.

Eguavoen added that the NFF is satisfied with the team’s direction under Chelle’s leadership.

“If you assess the team from where he started to where we are now, there is clear progression, and we are happy with that. It’s a journey, and things are turning around for the better,” he said.