Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has signed a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), bringing an end to months of uncertainty over his future following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
The agreement follows lengthy negotiations that began after Chelle submitted a 19-point proposal to the federation in January. Among the issues raised was a request for a monthly package of 130,000 US dollars to cover both his own salary and those of his technical staff.
According to the report, the NFF’s offer was closer to 100,000 dollars before the two sides eventually reached an agreement.
The renewed contract means Chelle will continue in charge of the Super Eagles while also assuming responsibility for Nigeria’s Under-23 side, giving him a wider role in the country’s football development.
Football analyst and podcaster Clinton McDubus believes the federation has made the right decision by retaining the coach despite the lengthy negotiations.
“Considering what he has done so far and how the future under him is looking, it is worth it,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, tells DAILY POST.
“It is worth noting that other African countries are looking at him as a strong option right now.
“For someone in high demand, that is a good deal.”
Chelle was appointed as Nigeria coach in January 2025 on a two-year contract with the primary objective of guiding the three-time African champions to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, that target was not achieved after Nigeria lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the continental play-off final.
The Super Eagles also reached the latter stages of the Africa Cup of Nations before their campaign ended in the semi-finals against hosts Morocco after a penalty shootout. They later defeated Egypt on penalties.
Despite falling short of World Cup qualification, McDubus believes Chelle has made a significant impact on the national team since taking charge.
“I think he has been impressive since taking the job,” McDubus said.
“We have seen a clear idea and playing philosophy, as well as excellent execution on the pitch.
“We have also seen our National Team progress and become attractive again under him, with new talents integrated seamlessly as well. He has been a net positive, by far.”
Under the terms of the new agreement, Chelle will also oversee Nigeria’s Under-23 team, with the additional responsibility of attempting to qualify the country for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Nigeria have not appeared in the Olympic men’s football competition since winning the bronze medal at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016.
McDubus said the decision to combine both coaching roles is a logical step rather than an unusual arrangement.
“It is completely normal,” McDubus insists.
“Marcelo Bielsa was in charge of the Argentine Under-23 team that won the Olympic football tournament in 2004, while still in charge of the national team.
“The idea is for the coach to oversee the progression of the next batch of talents ready to enter the senior national team.
“Chelle clearly wants them to already be familiar with the playing philosophy, to make their integration easier. It’s a brilliant idea.”
Attention now turns to the challenges awaiting Chelle, with Nigeria preparing for the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
McDubus remains optimistic that the coach can build on the performances already shown by the Super Eagles and deliver success in the months ahead.
“I’m confident he will,” McDubus said.
“AFCON 2025 showed us what is possible. With the way we played and how we imposed ourselves against other top teams on the continent, there’s every reason to be optimistic.
“Chelle’s team is the most impressive Super Eagles team I’ve watched since the 90s set.”
The new contract signals the NFF’s confidence in Chelle’s leadership, with the federation backing him to continue developing the senior side while also overseeing the next generation of Nigerian talent as the country pursues future continental and Olympic ambitions.
