The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will remain in charge of Nigeria’s senior national team after agreeing to new contract terms with the authorities.
In addition to retaining his role with the Super Eagles, the Malian tactician has also been appointed head coach of Nigeria’s U-23 team, the Olympic Eagles, as part of plans to strengthen the country’s football development structure.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko disclosed the development on Tuesday after a strategic meeting between the Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja, where discussions focused on the future of Nigeria’s national teams.
Chelle’s current two-year contract is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026, and discussions over a renewed and improved agreement have been ongoing for several months.
Following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, reports emerged that the 47-year-old coach had requested a monthly salary package of $130,000, which would cover the salaries of his assistants and other contractual obligations.
Providing an update on the negotiations, Dikko said both parties had successfully reached an agreement.
“We have reached new terms with the coach about his new remuneration. We are also going to take care of his assistants, and there are other benchmarks that we have put on the table, and I’m sure the coach will be very excited about it,” Dikko stated.
As part of the new arrangement, Chelle will also oversee the Olympic Eagles as Nigeria begins preparations for the men’s football competition at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
According to Dikko, the decision was made to create a stronger pathway between the U-23 team and the Super Eagles, ensuring that emerging talents can transition smoothly into the senior national side.
“With the NFF, we also agreed that the coach will take care of the U-23 national team because we have young players coming into the Super Eagles within that age bracket.
“So, Eric Chelle and his team, plus other people who will support them, will handle the project. The objective is not to give the coach more work but to start building for the future,” he added.
The additional responsibility places Chelle at the centre of Nigeria’s long-term football strategy, with expectations that he will help revive the fortunes of the Olympic Eagles.
Nigeria’s U-23 side has struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for both the men’s football tournaments at the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Similarly, the Super Eagles have missed qualification for the last two FIFA World Cup tournaments, increasing pressure on Chelle to deliver success at both senior and youth levels in the years ahead.
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