Eric Chelle Keen to Stay but Leaves Future in NFF’s Hands After AFCON 2025 Heartbreak

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has stated his desire to continue in charge of Nigeria’s senior national team but admitted that his future ultimately lies in the hands of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Speaking after Nigeria’s semi-final exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the Super Eagles lost 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco following a goalless 120 minutes, Chelle revealed that discussions with the NFF after the tournament would determine whether he remains in the role.

The Malian tactician has overseen a notable turnaround since taking charge a year ago, building a disciplined, competitive, and tactically organised side. However, recent months have also been marked by narrow disappointments, with Nigeria losing on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF World Cup playoff final and again to Morocco at AFCON.

Addressing journalists at the post-match press conference, Chelle spoke with a mix of pride and frustration over the team’s campaign.

“I am a fan of this Nigerian team. This job is very important to me and I try to do my job with total commitment,” Chelle said. “The tournament is not over yet. After the AFCON, I will meet with the NFF and we will decide the next step.”

He was candid about the uncertainty surrounding his position while reaffirming his belief in the squad.

“My future, I don’t know for now. I am the coach of Nigeria at this moment, but it depends on whether the NFF want me to continue or not. I am proud of my players, but also disappointed because I believe we are the best team in this tournament.”

With their title hopes ended, the Super Eagles will now shift focus to the third-place playoff against Egypt on Saturday, as questions continue to linger over Chelle’s long-term future and the direction of the national team beyond AFCON 2025.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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