NFF president shares decision on Eric Chelle's Super Eagles contract after impressive AFCON outing

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau reportedly said that the federation have no immediate plans to discuss contract extension plans with Eric Chelle despite his performance at the recently concluded AFCON. 

Chelle was appointed in January 2025 and was handed a two-year deal with the official objective of guiding the team to the 2026 World Cup and an alleged additional target of reaching the AFCON semi-final.

He failed in one of those objectives: qualification for the World Cup, with the team crashing out in the continental playoffs. However, he delivered a remarkable AFCON tournament in which he reached the semi-finals while coaching some laudable performances.

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Given the Super Eagles’ impressive showing at the AFCON, many impressed fans have urged the NFF to make a further commitment to the Franco-Malian. Those sentiments were echoed by the team’s captain, Wilfred Ndidi, who emphasised the importance of continuity.

However, according to Osasu Obayiuwana, the federation want Chelle to continue in the role; however, only on the current contract, as they do not intend to discuss a renewal for the next six months at least.

“There will be no contract extension discussion with Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles head coach, for now,” Gusau reportedly said. “We signed a two-year deal with him in January 2025. He is only halfway through his contract. In the last six months of his current deal, we can start to look at things.” 

Meanwhile, Chelle’s performance at the AFCON did not go unnoticed by other federations on the continent, as he was linked to the Tunisia job as well as a potential return to the Mali national team, which he has shut down.