Soccer
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Copyright: xToyinxOshodixIMAGO
The Federation of Algerian Football (FAF) is reportedly interested in hiring the current Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to lead the Desert Foxes after Algeria’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng understands.
However, that ambition now faces a major obstacle after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) agreed a new long-term contract that keeps the coach in charge until 2030.
Algeria crashed out of the World Cup in the Round of 32 after losing 2-0 to Switzerland. The defeat left many supporters frustrated and increased pressure on head coach Vladimir Petkovic. Reports from Algeria claim football officials are unhappy with some of his tactical decisions, especially his choice to play without a recognised striker against Switzerland while using young Ibrahim Maza as a false nine.
Chelle has become one of the names admired by the Algerian football authorities because of the progress he has made in African football, according to FootMercato. The reports indicate that the Algerians have made contact with Chelle with a view to appointing him head coach of the Desert Foxes.
Interest in Chelle does not come as a surprise. The Franco-Malian coach built a strong reputation during his time with Mali before taking over Nigeria. He is also remembered for his knowledge of North African football after previously coaching MC Oran in the Algerian Ligue 1.
His tactical organisation, disciplined style and ability to get results against top African teams have reportedly made him an attractive option as Algeria looks to rebuild ahead of the next international cycle.
Soccer Algeria: Nigeria secured Chelle’s future until 2030
While Algeria may admire Chelle, convincing him to leave Nigeria has now become much more difficult.
The NFF and the NSC have agreed a fresh contract that extends his stay with the Super Eagles until 2030. The new agreement adds four more years to his previous deal and shows Nigeria’s confidence in the coach’s long-term vision.
The improved contract also rewards Chelle financially. His monthly salary has reportedly increased from $50,000 to $100,000, making him one of the better-paid national team coaches in Africa.
Another important change is that the NFF and NSC will now pay the salaries of his assistant coaches directly. Under his previous agreement, Chelle reportedly had to fund members of his coaching staff from his own earnings. The new arrangement removes that burden and gives him a stronger technical team.
Chelle’s responsibilities have also grown beyond the Super Eagles. He will now take charge of the Nigeria U-23 men’s team, the Olympic Eagles, alongside the senior national side. The idea is to create one playing style across both teams so young players can move smoothly into the Super Eagles.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko is said to be driving this long-term project as Nigeria prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Although reports have linked Chelle with Algeria, Guinea and Angola, his new contract makes an immediate exit highly unlikely. Unless something changes unexpectedly, Nigeria appears determined to build its future around the coach, while Algeria may have to continue searching elsewhere for a new manager.
Imhonlamhen
Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.
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