The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will remain in charge of the national team after reaching an agreement on a new contract, ending speculation about his future.
Speaking at a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, NSC chairman Shehu Dikko announced that fresh terms had been finalized with the coach. The meeting was attended by Ibrahim Gusau and other officials of the Nigeria Football Federation.
Chelle’s previous two-year contract was set to expire at the end of 2026, but the new agreement includes improved remuneration and additional support from the NFF. Under the revised arrangement, the federation will now assume responsibility for paying the salaries of his assistants, a cost previously borne by the coach himself.
Dikko said the agreement also contains performance targets and incentives designed to strengthen the national team setup and support Chelle’s work.
In addition to his role with the Super Eagles, the Franco-Malian tactician has been given oversight of Nigeria’s men’s U-23 team as part of a broader strategy to develop future talent.
According to Dikko, the decision was reached in collaboration with the coach and the NFF, with the aim of creating a stronger pathway between youth and senior national teams.
While details such as the contract duration and financial package were not made public, the expanded role means Chelle will also lead efforts to qualify Nigeria’s U-23 side for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Nigeria has not participated in the men’s Olympic football tournament since the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Since taking over in 2025, Chelle has guided the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, strengthening confidence in his leadership of the national team.
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