The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has played down growing speculation about the future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, maintaining that the Franco-Malian tactician is fully committed to the national team and has no immediate plans to step away.
Reports had recently linked Chelle with interest from other African national sides, including Tunisia and Angola, following his impressive run with Nigeria.
However, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau clarified that the coach remains under contract and continues to be a key figure in the federation’s long-term strategy.
Chelle, who led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, still has one year left on his current deal.
“We still have a one-year contract with Eric, and therefore whatever interest anybody will show on him, he has to wait until his contract expires,” Gusau said in an interview circulated by the Super Eagles’ media team.
Gusau emphasised that the federation is focused on maintaining stability within the team and shielding the coach from unnecessary distractions that could derail ongoing progress.
“And basically, you know, we don’t want to bring some distraction on him, because we quite well understand that he enjoys working with Nigeria.”
He also rejected the notion that Chelle’s future should be swayed by financial offers or perceived opportunities elsewhere, noting that success depends on more than just monetary incentives.
“Because it’s not about a team is interested in you, and it’s not about because he has gotten the results with the Super Eagles. So if you go to the other team, despite the fact that they are going to give him more money, he’s going to get the results. That’s not the issue.”
According to Gusau, the real consideration for any coach lies in whether the environment and available resources align with their ambitions.
“The issue is that do they have the materials for him to work with, to achieve what he wants to achieve. The dream of every single coach is to make sure that he achieves success, especially on higher tournaments.”
He reiterated that career fulfilment and the opportunity to build something meaningful should outweigh financial motivations.
“So when you are saying that I want the coach, we are going to look for the coach to come, and we are going to pay him a certain amount of money, it’s not the issue of the money, but will he achieve what he wants to achieve in his career? Or is he just going there for the money?”
Gusau expressed confidence that Chelle sees his future with the Super Eagles and believes in the project currently underway.
“So, but the key thing is that I know Coach Eric believes in Super Eagles, and he believes that he can achieve whatever he wants to achieve in his career, when it comes to coaching, preparation, especially with the national team within the African continent.”
He added that the federation has had multiple discussions with the coach about his future and direction.
“So he has so much belief in the Super Eagles, and he has every confidence that he can achieve all his dreams with the Super Eagles. So that’s the key thing that I believe in, and I know we discussed it several times with Tim. And to all of you.”
What you should know
The NFF has reaffirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle remains under contract for another year despite reports linking him with other national teams.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the federation is committed to protecting the coach from distractions and believes he is focused on achieving long-term success with Nigeria.
Chelle’s recent Africa Cup of Nations performance has drawn attention, but the NFF insists stability, continuity, and the right environment for success are more important than financial incentives or external offers.
