Eric Chelle will remain in charge of the Super Eagles after reaching an agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over a new contract, ending months of speculation about his future with the national team.
The Franco-Malian coach, who was appointed in January 2025 following the resignation of Finidi George, has been rewarded with an improved deal despite Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle also guided the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a campaign that helped convince the NFF to continue with the 47-year-old.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed the agreement on Tuesday after a meeting in Abuja involving NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and other federation officials.
While the contract is yet to be formally signed, both parties have agreed on the key terms, with the NFF expected to complete the necessary paperwork in the coming days.
One of the biggest changes in Chelle’s new contract is a significant salary increase. The former Mali international previously earned around $50,000 per month and was responsible for paying members of his coaching staff from his wages.
Under the new agreement, Chelle will reportedly earn approximately $100,000 per month, while the NFF will assume full responsibility for the salaries of his backroom staff. The revised arrangement is expected to allow the coach to focus fully on football matters without the financial burden of managing his technical team.
Speaking after the meeting, Shehu Dikko confirmed that negotiations had been successfully concluded and revealed that only the formal documentation remains.
“It’s a new contract and a new remuneration, which I think the NFF will do the necessary to finalise,” Dikko said.
“But I think I can confirm to you, we have agreed on a new term sheet with the coach, and the NFF will put it on paper. We have agreed on something with the coach regarding his remuneration.”
Chelle’s responsibilities have also been expanded beyond the senior national team. In addition to leading the Super Eagles, he will oversee Nigeria’s U-23 side, the Dream Team, as they begin preparations for qualification for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Nigeria will be aiming to return to the Olympics for the first time since claiming the bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Games, making Chelle’s new role one of the federation’s key long-term projects.
The Super Eagles head coach will now shift his attention to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September. Nigeria face Madagascar in their next qualifier before taking on Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in Group L as they bid to secure a place at the next AFCON tournament.
With his future now settled and improved backing from the NFF, Chelle will be expected to build on recent positive performances and guide the Super Eagles back to major international success.
