Nigeria’s National Sports Commission Confirms Talks To Extend Eric Chelle’s Contract After AFCON Success

Nigeria may be set for continuity at the helm of the Super Eagles, as the National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed plans to begin talks over a contract extension for head coach Eric Chelle following his impressive outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle’s current deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is due to expire in the coming months, but his impact at AFCON 2025 has convinced Nigerian sports authorities that keeping him is a priority.

Chelle’s AFCON 2025 Impact Speaks Volumes

The Malian tactician’s reputation soared after guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish in Morocco, delivering one of the most entertaining Super Eagles performances in recent history.

Under Chelle:

• Nigeria scored 35 goals and conceded just 13

• The Super Eagles set a new AFCON record by scoring 14 goals in a single tournament

• The team kept four consecutive clean sheets in the knockout stages

• Nigeria went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning five matches

• Draws against Morocco (semi-final) and Egypt (third-place playoff) were decided on penalties

Beyond the numbers, Chelle’s bold 4-4-2 diamond system unlocked Nigeria’s attacking potential and brought renewed belief to the squad.

What Bukola Olopade Said

NSC Director General Bukola Olopade confirmed that discussions are already being lined up, revealing that informal talks have begun behind the scenes.

“I had dinner with him two days ago at my house in Abuja,” Olopade told Footy Africa.
“I am not the NFF President, but we work collaboratively. That same night, I called the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday, we will all sit down together.”

Olopade was also quick to shut down reports linking Chelle with other national teams.

“Eric Chelle is not going anywhere,” he stated. “Those countries do not have the kind of superstars that make his job easier. He succeeded because he had the right equipment, the quality players needed to execute his ideas.”

Depth, Talent, And A Brighter Future

Olopade highlighted the growing depth in the Super Eagles squad, pointing to the recent FIFA clearance of Arthur Okonkwo — the Arsenal and Wrexham goalkeeper — as evidence that Nigeria now boasts surplus quality across all departments.

“We now have surplus quality across all departments,” he said confidently.

Appointed in January 2025 after the exits of José Peseiro, Austin Eguavoen, and Finidi George, Chelle’s appointment initially raised eyebrows due to his nationality. However, Olopade insists that skepticism has now been silenced.

“Eric had scored 75 goals with Mali. If he could do that without players like Osimhen or Lookman, I knew Nigeria would become a goal-scoring machine,” he explained.
“Today, I am glad our conviction paid off.”

Continuity Could Be Key For Nigeria

With AFCON momentum, a settled tactical identity, and a deepening talent pool, extending Eric Chelle’s contract could prove vital as Nigeria looks ahead to World Cup qualifiers and future continental dominance.

For now, all signs point toward Nigeria choosing stability — and backing the man who turned the Super Eagles into one of Africa’s most feared attacking sides.

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