NSC Confirms Eric Chelle Will Stay as Super Eagles Coach Until 2030

Posted : 13 July 2026

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed Eric Chelle's commitment to the Super Eagles, dismissing reports linking the Nigerian head coach with a move to Algeria and other African national teams.

NSC Director General Bukola Olopade said Chelle remains focused on Nigeria's long-term football project and insisted speculation surrounding the Franco-Malian coach's future should not be taken seriously.

Chelle has attracted interest from several football federations after guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His work with the Super Eagles, combined with his successful spell in charge of Mali, has enhanced his reputation across the continent.

Algeria were among the countries reportedly interested in appointing the 48-year-old after the Desert Foxes failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reports suggested the Algerian Football Federation contacted Chelle's representatives and considered offering him a lucrative contract, partly because of his previous coaching experience with MC Oran in the Algerian league.

However, Nigeria moved quickly to secure the coach's future through fresh negotiations involving the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission.

According to reports, Chelle has agreed to an improved contract that will keep him in charge of the Super Eagles until 2030. His monthly salary has reportedly doubled from $50,000 to $100,000 after successful negotiations between both parties.

The new agreement also expands Chelle's responsibilities beyond the senior national team. In addition to leading the Super Eagles, he will oversee the Nigeria U-23 Olympic Eagles, creating a stronger pathway for talented young players to progress into the senior squad.

The revised package reportedly includes improved welfare for his coaching staff, housing support, enhanced security arrangements, performance-related incentives and provisions designed to minimise external interference in football decisions.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Olopade expressed confidence that all documentation would soon be completed and stressed that Chelle remains fully committed to the national team.

"Before contracts are signed on paper, you must have done a great deal of work to solidify all ends," Olopade said.

He added: "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."

With his future now expected to be settled, Chelle's attention will turn to Nigeria's qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group H alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, with the qualification series beginning during the September FIFA international window.

Nigeria will be aiming to secure a place at the tournament and continue building under Chelle's long-term leadership as preparations also begin for future FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.

NSC Confirms Eric Chelle Will Stay as Super Eagles Coach Until 2030

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