The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to quell speculation surrounding Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, with a top official confirming the Malian will complete his contract despite reported interest from other teams. Technical Committee Chairman Sherif Inuwa Ahlan stated Chelle is expected to honour his existing agreement with the football federation.
Chelle, the former centre-back appointed in 2023, has approximately nine months remaining on his NFF contract. His position has attracted scrutiny following a successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, where he guided Nigeria to a third-place finish. This performance has reportedly drawn attention from several national teams and clubs, creating uncertainty about his immediate future.
However, the NFF’s Technical Committee Chairman is confident in the coach’s commitment. A source close to the federation told SCORENigeria that Ahlan assured stakeholders Chelle will respect his contractual obligations. “The chairman assured that the Super Eagles coach will honour his contract and so there was no reason to discuss his situation,” the source indicated, signaling the federation’s stance to maintain continuity.
The Super Eagles’ next scheduled engagement is a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman, Jordan, set for next month. Nigeria is slated to face the hosts, Jordan, and Iran in the competition, providing immediate preparatory matches for the team.
This public assurance from the NFF aims to provide stability as the Super Eagles prepare for upcoming fixtures, including crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. By reinforcing Chelle’s status, the federation seeks to maintain focused preparations and avoid disruption ahead of key matches on the road to global qualifying.
