By Daily Sports Nigeria on April 2, 2025

• Coach to meet Nwaneri in England

A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation has described the reports making the rounds about a potential contract termination of Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle as fake news, The PUNCH reports.

Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles coach in January on a two-year deal, which is subject to renewal, but the Franco-Malian coach was reportedly said to have mulled a shock exit talk, which forced the NFF to convene an emergency meeting.

The gaffer was said to be uncertain over his future on the Nigerian job after the mixed results in March’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers which further left the country’s hopes in disarray.

However, a board member of the NFF told our correspondent that the executive committee did not convene any meeting as the coach was on his way to Europe, where is expected to meet Nigerian players and also convince some more eligible players to play for the country.

“There is nothing like that,” the board member who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The PUNCH.

“I am a board member and there has not been any issue raised about the contract of the coach. It is all fake news.”

While the rumour about his contract was spreading, Chelle was on his way to Europe, where he is expected to meet Nigerian-eligible players.

Top of that list is Arsenal wonderkid, Ethan Nwaneri whose chance of switching his allegiance to Nigeria was further boosted by an England snub during the last international break.

“The coach is going to be in Europe and he is expected to meet some players. Nwaneri will not be left out as well,” our source added.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder, who has impressed under Mikel Arteta, remains eligible for both Nigeria and England. While he has represented England at youth level, he has not yet pledged allegiance to the senior team, leaving the door open for a potential switch.

Chelle has overseen just two matches since his appointment, guiding Nigeria to a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali before a frustrating 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo last Tuesday.

It remains to be seen what the remaining four matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifying race will produce but the Eagles, who are fourth in Group C still have a tiny chance of making it, depending on the results of other contenders.

Source Punch Ng

Posted April 2, 2025

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