Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is committed to Nigeria. This is despite rumors linking him to the Algeria national team and interest from clubs in North Africa. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, says Chelle is focused on his work with the Eagles, according to The PUNCH.
Doubts about Chelle's future came up after news that he had not signed the improved contract extension from the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation.
Reports also suggested that the Algeria Football Federation and some clubs in North Africa were watching the 48-year-old coach after his strong start with the Super Eagles.
In just over a year, Chelle has led the Super Eagles in 25 matches, with 15 of those being competitive games. He has achieved 10 wins in regular time. His other five results included one victory on penalties against Egypt in the third-place match at the 2025 AFCON. He also faced two defeats on penalties against DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off final and Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 AFCON. Additionally, there were two draws against South Africa and Zimbabwe in Nigeria's unsuccessful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
With Chelle's success and the Super Eagles' exciting style of play, Olopade has eased concerns about losing the coach. He stated that the delay in signing the contract is just a normal process. He added that Chelle is not distracted by the rumors.
"Before contracts are signed on paper, you must have done a great deal of work to solidify all ends," Olopade told The PUNCH.
"It’s a renewed contract, which means it’s an existing one. We have agreed, so I am sure that the Nigeria Football Federation will conclude the documentation as soon as possible.
"Eric is a gentleman, so all the stories about other countries looking for him do not hold water. I’ve sat with him and I know he is not bothered by all those rumours."
The PUNCH reported that Chelle has not yet signed the improved deal from the NSC and the NFF, even though talks have wrapped up. His current contract ends this year.
The new deal is said to include better pay and more technical support, thanks to the positive impact Chelle has had since taking charge of the Super Eagles.
Chelle asked for a monthly salary of $130,000, but the NSC is reportedly offering him $100,000. They are also looking to cover the salaries of his assistants under the new deal.
The 48-year-old is also expected to manage Nigeria’s U-23 men’s team for the football event at the 2028 Olympic Games. Nigeria has missed the last two Olympic football tournaments.
With the NSC calming worries about his future, Chelle has also said he wants to stay with the Super Eagles.
"I try to do my job and I want to say thank you for all the support. If I have some time, I will give everything for this national team. Every day I try to improve as a man and as a coach too," Chelle said during international friendlies in June.
"I want to say sorry again because we didn’t go to the World Cup and that we didn’t win the AFCON."
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