By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 13, 2026

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle remains fully committed to Nigeria despite speculation linking him with the Algeria national team job and interest from clubs in North Africa, with National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade insisting the Franco-Malian is focused on continuing his project with the Eagles, The PUNCH reports.

Fresh doubts had emerged over Chelle’s future after it was revealed that he was yet to sign the improved contract extension offered to him by the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation.

The uncertainty was further fuelled by reports that the Algeria Football Federation and some North African clubs were monitoring the 48-year-old following his impressive start with the Super Eagles.

In just over a year, Chelle has managed 25 Super Eagles matches, including 15 competitive games. Of those competitive fixtures, he has recorded 10 wins in regulation time. The other five results comprised one victory via penalty shootout — against Egypt in the third-place match at the 2025 AFCON — two defeats on penalties, against DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off final and Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 AFCON, as well as two draws against South Africa and Zimbabwe during Nigeria’s unsuccessful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

With Chelle’s results and the Super Eagles’ style of play attracting admirers across the continent, Olopade has dismissed fears that Nigeria could lose the coach, saying the delay is purely procedural and that Chelle is not distracted by the speculation.

“Before contracts are signed on paper, you must have done a great deal of work to solidify all ends,” Olopade told The PUNCH.

“It’s a renewed contract, which means it’s an existing one. We have agreed, so I am sure that the Nigeria Football Federation will conclude the documentation as soon as possible.

“Eric is a gentleman, so all the stories about other countries looking for him do not hold water. I’ve sat with him and I know he is not bothered by all those rumours.”

The PUNCH had reported that Chelle is yet to put pen to paper on the improved deal offered by the NSC and the NFF, although negotiations have been concluded. His current contract expires at the end of the year.

The new contract is understood to include improved financial terms and enhanced technical support following the positive impact the former Mali coach has made since taking charge of the Super Eagles.

Chelle had requested a monthly salary of $130,000, but the NSC is reportedly willing to offer him $100,000 while separately paying the salaries of his assistants under the new arrangement.

The 48-year-old is also expected to take charge of Nigeria’s U-23 men’s team ahead of the football event at the 2028 Olympic Games. Like the FIFA World Cup, Nigeria have missed the last two editions of the men’s Olympic football tournament.

With the NSC allaying fears over his future, Chelle has also expressed his desire to remain in charge of the Super Eagles.

“I try to do my job and I want to say thank you for all the support. If I have some time, I will give everything for this national team. Every day I try to improve as a man and as a coach too,” Chelle said during the international friendlies in June.

“I want to say sorry again because we didn’t go to the World Cup and that we didn’t win the AFCON.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted July 13, 2026

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