Eric Chelle’s future as Super Eagles head coach has been thrown into fresh uncertainty following conflicting reports over the status of his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The uncertainty comes barely two weeks after Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, announced that the Franco-Malian tactician would remain in charge of the three-time African champions after all parties had reportedly agreed on a new contract.
Speaking on June 23 at the NSC headquarters in Abuja, Dikko also disclosed that Chelle had been handed the additional responsibility of leading Nigeria’s U-23 national team as preparations begin for the football event of the 2028 Olympic Games.
However, BBC Sport journalist Oluwashina Okeleji has disputed those claims, insisting that no contract extension has been agreed, a situation that could explain the absence of any official announcement from the NFF.
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“Éric Chelle has not extended his contract with Nigeria and reports to the contrary follow cursory comments by the NSC chairman,” Okeleji wrote on his official X account on Sunday.
He further claimed that the NFF is facing stiff competition to retain the services of the coach, with several African national teams and clubs in North Africa monitoring his situation.
“The NFF face competition from a host of African countries and North African clubs eager to sign the Franco-Malian coach. Deal ends in January,” Okeleji added.
The BBC Sport journalist also appeared to take a swipe at officials over the premature announcement of a deal.
“Not every conversation deserves a microphone. Some people rush to the media before the facts are settled, only to end up explaining themselves later. The best officials know the difference between progress and completion. The rest usually find themselves issuing clarifications,” he said.
The uncertainty surrounding Chelle’s future has also attracted interest from abroad. According to Foot Mercato, Éric Chelle has emerged as a target for Algeria as they look to reportedly replace Vladimir Petković after the country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle is no stranger to Algerian football, having previously managed MC Oran before taking charge of the Super Eagles.
With the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, attention is expected to remain on the NFF and NSC as they seek to clarify Chelle’s contractual situation and secure the coach’s long-term future with the Super Eagles.
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