Gabon, Angola join Tunisia in chase for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle

By Tosin Omojola –

With his future with Nigeria yet to be clarified, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has become a hot prospect, being sought after by several suitors.

After the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Chelle and Nigerians are still awaiting the coach’s decision.

However, after leading Nigeria to a bronze medal finish in Morocco, Chelle has attracted the attention of Gabon and Angola, who are reportedly making inquiries about his availability.

The two oil-rich nations are the latest to register interest in the Eagles’ coach, after World Cup-bound Tunisia tried wooing the Franco-Malian during AFCON 2025.

The 48-year-old trainer, halfway through his contract with Nigeria, led the Eagles to an impressive AFCON, where they scored a tournament-high 14 goals. This has sparked calls for a long-term contract extension for the former Mali national team coach.

However, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) say they will open discussions with Chelle six months before the expiry of his two-year contract to chart the way forward.

“There will be no contract extension discussion with Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles coach, for now,” NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau told Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.

“We signed a two-year deal with him in January 2025. He’s only halfway through his contract. In the last six months of his current deal, we can start to look at things.”