Soccer
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Copyright: xshengolpixsxImago
Talks about Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle signing a lucrative new contract worth $100,000 per month have been thrown into doubt following fresh comments, Soccernet.ng reports.
Last month, National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman Shehu Dikko revealed that Chelle’s contract had been extended following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Franco-Malian tactician, who was appointed in January 2025 on an initial two-year deal, was also handed responsibility for Nigeria’s U-23 side as part of the new arrangement.
His monthly salary also doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, while his assistants were also handed individual contracts.
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Soccer Eric Chelle’s new Super Eagles deal dismissed
Renowned Nigerian journalist Oluwashina Okeleji revealed that negotiations between the Nigeria Football Federation and Chelle remain ongoing, adding that the coach’s current deal still expires next January.
“Éric Chelle has not extended his contract with Nigeria and reports to the contrary follow cursory comments by the NSC chairman,” the BBC Correspondent wrote.
“The NFF face competition from a host of African countries and North African clubs eager to sign the Franco-Malian coach.”
Éric Chelle has not extended his contract with #Nigeria and reports to the contrary follow cursory comments by the NSC chairman.
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. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/m7nhH21W6u
— Olúwashínà Òkélèjì (@oluwashina) July 5, 2026
Soccer Algeria and Ivory Coast interest could complicate NFF talks
Algeria and Ivory Coast have already registered interest in the Franco-Malian tactician following their exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
That interest comes on the back of Nigeria’s encouraging performances under Eric Chelle’s reign despite the failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 48-year-old guided the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 before overseeing encouraging performances in subsequent international friendlies, alongside two Unity Cup titles.
With the Super Eagles set to begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign in September, the NFF will be eager to resolve Chelle’s contractual situation sooner rather than later.
For now, though, it appears an extension and a new $100,000 monthly salary are not true, but it’ll be interesting to see if the NSC of the NFF rebuff the recent claim about Chelle’s contract saga.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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