Nigeria begins contract extension talks with Eric Chelle

By Tosin Omojola –

Negotiations for a possible contract extension between Nigeria and Super Eagles coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, have commenced.

According to Footy Africa, the former Malian national team handler, who recently led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, held a closed-door meeting with senior officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) in Abuja on Tuesday, fuelling expectations that a new deal could soon be agreed.

Chelle and members of his entourage were received by the NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, with discussions believed to have centred on the coach’s future and continuity in the Super Eagles’ technical setup.

According to available information, the discussions lasted several hours and ended on an optimistic note, with further negotiations expected in the coming days.

Until the recent meeting, Nigerian football officials had not publicly made known their desire to retain the 47-year-old, who has attracted interest from other African nations following his recent success.

NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, had recently confirmed that extending Chelle’s contract is part of the commission’s plans for 2026. “We have a list of many things we want to achieve in 2026, and extending Chelle’s contract is also on that list. He’s not going anywhere because he’s happy here,” Olopade said.

Chelle was appointed Super Eagles head coach in January 2025 on a two-year deal and has since overseen a notable upturn in results. At the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeria finished third, going unbeaten in regulation time throughout the tournament.

Since taking charge, Chelle has led Nigeria in 17 competitive matches without defeat, winning 11 and drawing six. Under his leadership, the Super Eagles scored a record 14 goals at the Morocco AFCON and remained unbeaten in regulation time across all seven matches.