Eric Chelle eyes continued tenure as NFF opens contract discussions

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially opened discussions with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle about a possible extension of his contract.

The move comes after the National Sports Commission reportedly gave approval for negotiations to proceed, signaling the federation’s intention to maintain stability in the team’s leadership.

Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles in 2025, has expressed his desire to continue leading Nigeria’s national team.

The French coach has long admired Nigerian football and recalled that his love for the Super Eagles dates back to the 1990s, when he first followed the team’s progress and developed a deep respect for their style and passion.

The timing of the talks also comes amid reports linking Chelle to interest from Tunisia.

According to sources, the Tunisian Football Federation had made inquiries about the coach’s availability, raising questions about his long-term future with Nigeria.

By starting contract extension discussions, the NFF appears keen to secure his services and prevent any potential attempts by other countries to recruit him.

Since taking over the Super Eagles, Chelle has been praised for instilling tactical discipline and resilience in the team.

His approach has earned him respect from football analysts, fans, and players alike. Under his guidance, the Super Eagles recently achieved third place at the African Cup of Nations held in Morocco, demonstrating consistency and competitiveness at the continental level.

The NFF’s decision to engage Chelle in extension talks reflects a broader strategy to ensure continuity in the national team ahead of future international tournaments. Football stakeholders hope that retaining Chelle will provide the stability needed to build on recent successes and prepare the team for upcoming challenges.

As discussions continue, fans and football experts alike are watching closely, eager to see whether Chelle will remain at the helm of Nigeria’s most popular football team for the foreseeable future.